Davison asks Chief Minister candidates not to call him a 'poster boy' for youth

Glenfaba and Peel MHK Daniel Davison has asked fellow members not to describe him as a “poster boy” for young people. He made the request at the Chief Minister hustings for MHKs, where the two candidates, Kirrie Jenkins and Chris Thomas, took questions from members, according to Energy FM.

Ms Jenkins had used the phrase earlier in the debate, while answering a question about opportunities for younger people. Mr Davison, who at 18 is believed to be the youngest MHK ever elected, responded: “I was not elected to be a poster, I was elected, by the people in Glenfaba and Peel, like everyone else.”

He said his question was not about himself. He asked the candidates how they would make sure young people, who will live with today’s decisions for the next 50 years, had a real say before those decisions were taken.

Ms Jenkins said she had “total respect” for him and that he had “inspired a generation”. She pointed to work experience and apprenticeships, and noted that Tynwald once had a young people’s champion but that little was heard of the role now.

Mr Thomas said Mr Davison had made his point “powerfully” and called him an “equal Member” of the House of Keys. He argued that the island should stop paying grants to people unlikely to return. Pointing to Wales, he suggested rebalancing the funding system through some form of tax or loan arrangement.

Mr Davison also questioned the candidates on crisis management, pensions and National Insurance during the meeting, Energy FM reported.