William 'Bill' Shimmins is a Scottish-born Manx politician. He represented the constituency of Middle in the House of Keys until 2021, having been first elected in 2016.[1]
William Shimmins | |
|---|---|
| Member of the House of Keys for Middle | |
| In office September 2021 – August 2026 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1965 Scotland |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Independent |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Glasgow College of Commerce |
Early life
editShimmins was born in Scotland in 1965 and educated at Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh, Clydebank Technical College and the Glasgow College of Commerce.
Career
editThroughout the 1980s and 1990s, Shimmins worked as a banker in the UK. He spent time with both Clydesdale and Yorkshire bank before becoming Managing Director of Northern Bank (Isle of Man) Limited in 2002.
In April 2006, Shimmins joined the NatWest group and from 2011 to 2016 served as Managing Director of Isle of Man Bank Limited and Island Director of RBS International.
Politics
editIn 2016, Shimmins was elected to the House of Keys for the constituency of Middle along with incumbent Minister Howard Quayle.[2] He received 33.5% of the vote.[3]
In his 2016 manifesto, Shimmins stated that his priorities were economic growth, reducing the public pension deficit, reducing the size and scope of government and maintaining quality of life for residents.[4]
He has also supported the development of brownfield sites, development of active travel routes and the introduction of a 5p plastic bag charge.[5]
Shimmins indicated that he does not support independence for the Isle of Man and does not believe that the Chief Minister should be popularly elected.[5]
Since his election Shimmins has served as a political Member for the Isle of Man Treasury with responsibility for the General Registry, Investment Management, Asset Management and the Audit (Consultative) Committee.[6]
Known as an astute speaker in Tynwald[citation needed], Mr Shimmins has served as Chairman of the Select Committee on Free Train and Tram Travel (Petition for Redress) 2016–2017, Member of the Select Committee of Tynwald on Financing of Infrastructure Schemes and Projects 2018–July 2018, Chairman of the Select Committee of Tynwald on Development of Unoccupied Urban Sites April 2018–November 2018, Member of the House of Keys Committee on the Education Bill 2020 2020–2021.[7]
Election results
edit2016
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent | Bill Shimmins | 1357 | 33.54% | |
| Independent | Howard Quayle | 1205 | 29.78% | |
| Independent | Paul Craine | 1090 | 26.94% | |
| Independent | WIlliam Bowers | 394 | 9.74% | |
| Total valid votes | 4046 | |||
| Rejected ballots | 11 | 0.48% | ||
| Registered electors | 4,445 | |||
| Turnout | 2307 | 51.9% | ||
Personal life
editShimmins lives in Glen Vine and is married to Alison, a primary school teacher. They have two adult children. [5]
References
edit- ^ "Tynwald - Parliament of the Isle of Man - SHIMMINS William Catto, MHK". www.tynwald.org.im. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
- ^ "General Election 2016: Live results". Manx Radio. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
- ^ "General Election 2016: Live results". Manx Radio. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
- ^ Shimmins, Bill (2016). "Bill Shimmins - Middle Political Questions 2016" (PDF). Aiircdn. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 May 2021.
- ^ a b c "Bill Shimmins Electoral Manifesto" (PDF). Isle of Man Government website.
- ^ "Isle of Man Government - Treasury Minister and Members". www.gov.im. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
- ^ "Tynwald - Parliament of the Isle of Man - SHIMMINS William Catto, MHK". www.tynwald.org.im. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
- ^ "2016 General Election - Constituency Results" (PDF). Isle of Man Government website.