Latest news with #PeterWashington
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
New Douglas Mayor hopes to 'increase footfall' in capital
The new mayor of the Manx capital is hoping to work with businesses to "increase footfall" in the city Crellin, who was unanimously elected and will serve in the role for a year, was sworn in at a ceremony on takes over from Natalie Byron-Teare, who held the position for two years. She declared Mr Crellin would serve the residents with "great determination and passion".Accepting the role, Mr Crellin said: "I am truly honoured to serve, and I will do so with pride, determination and an unwavering commitment to making Douglas an even better place to live, work, and thrive." The new mayor said he was "honoured and humbled" to have be given the role, and spoke of an "abiding optimism", urging council and community to "shape a future" that was "inclusive, vibrant and full of opportunity".Crellin, who had previously held the position of deputy mayor, described that experience as "invaluable", allowing him an "overview of how everything is put together, and how events are organised".He said his theme, as mayor, was community and business, adding: "I can't wait to get going".The mayor has selected three chosen charities for the coming year: Hospice Isle of Man, Riding for the Disabled and Dot's Dream Foundation. Councillor Peter Washington was elected to serve as his follows last week's appointment of Devon Watson as council leader for Douglas. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Devon Watson appointed new leader of Douglas Council
The new leader of the local authority in the Isle of Man's capital said he was "keen to use the council as a vehicle to get the people the services they need".Devon Watson was appointed to the position for a two-year term on Wednesday following last month's replaces Clare Wells, who had held the post since 2021 but did not put herself forward as a candidate in the latest local authority general said he would work to tackle the challenges of the cost of living, struggling businesses, and a "housing crisis that is driving young people off the island". He was selected at a meeting of the council by securing eight of the votes on offer, beating David Cretney, who secure said he would work to continue "improving" housing standards and the services provided by the authority."My job is to channel those concerns and make sure we not only have a local but a national voice," he said. 'Brand new ideas' With half of the capital's 12 councillors new to the local authority after the election, it meant it was a "brand new council with brand new ideas", Watson continued."I can't wait to start working with everyone, working with officers and working with government to get on with the job", he make-up of the council's committees was also decided at the Washington was appointed chairman of the Housing and Property Committee, Natalie Byron-Teare will serve as chairwoman of the Regeneration and Community Committee, and Falk Horning remains chairman of the Environmental Services Committee.A new Mayor of Douglas Council is set to be appointed at a meeting next week. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
