Mr Cubbon has delivered a notice of resignation to the Town Clerk.
Please find below a statement from Mr Cubbon which I have been asked to circulate.
In line with section 27 of the ELECTIONS (KEYS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES) ACT 2020, Mr Cubbon’s Resignation has taken place with immediate effect.
Yours faithfully
H F Mackenzie
Town Clerk
Good morning,
It is with considerable regret that I tender my resignation as a Castletown Commissioner.
This decision follows the lack of a timely response to my Freedom of Information request concerning the Department of Infrastructure’s mismanagement of the democratically mandated closure of Castletown Square.
I firmly believe that the Department’s poor handling of this situation has created significant toxicity, uncertainty, and division within our community. It is my view that the ongoing confusion and lack of transparency have directly contributed to the decision of several current board members not to seek re-election, as they have endured undue stress and criticism arising from the Department’s unclear and opaque processes.
Despite my repeated efforts, the Department has continually delayed providing the requested documentation and explanations behind its decisions relating to the closure. I explicitly asked for this information to be made publicly available prior to the electoral registration deadline, enabling me to make a fully informed decision on my future candidacy. Unfortunately, this request has not been honoured, and as a result, the political reputations of our current board members have been unfairly tarnished.
This situation has also led to the loss of several dedicated local representatives, whose absence from public service is a significant blow to our community. I am genuinely concerned about the implications for the future governance and representation of Castletown.
Nevertheless, I remain optimistic about the future role of the private sector, which continues to drive positive change and progression within Castletown, bringing vitality and innovation where government has faltered. The persistent failure of Tynwald to effectively reform local government and hold central government departments accountable continues to disproportionately impact the southern communities, particularly our own.
Serving alongside my colleagues and representing the residents of Castletown for the past two terms has been an honour and privilege. I sincerely regret having to step away under these circumstances, and it is indeed a difficult decision.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to you all.
Yours sincerely,
Jimmy