Tynwald 'shocked and saddened' by death of MHK
Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh died "peacefully in his sleep", the Tynwald President confirms.
The passing of John Wannenburgh, a Member of the House of Keys (MHK) for Douglas North, at the age of 61, has prompted expressions of sorrow and tribute.
Juan Watterson, President of Tynwald, conveyed to the Manx parliament that Mr. Wannenburgh "passed away peacefully last night in his sleep." Mr. Watterson articulated his personal "shock and sadness" at the death of the father of three, recognizing him as an "excellent ambassador" for the island through his involvement with the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Mr. Wannenburgh was elected to represent Douglas North in the 2021 House of Keys general election. His public service included chairing the Office of Fair Trading, followed by his appointment as chairman of Manx Utilities in 2023. He also contributed to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa), and was a member of Tynwald's Economic Policy Review Committee.
Born in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, Mr. Wannenburgh spent his formative years in South Africa before relocating to the Isle of Man, where he pursued studies at the Isle of Man Business School. Prior to his political career, he managed the Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club, an organization that hosted numerous guest speakers on the island and successfully raised over £250,000 for charitable causes.
President Watterson remarked that Mr. Wannenburgh had been "relishing the prospect" of the 2026 House of Keys general election, viewing it "as an opportunity to promote the work he had done." He added, "I am sure that Tynwald colleagues will be as shocked and saddened as I am to learn that our friend and colleague John Wannenburgh MHK passed away peacefully last night in his sleep."
Watterson further described Mr. Wannenburgh as someone who "took his politics seriously, and prided himself on being straight talking but was also the life and soul of any party, with great stories of the celebrities from all walks of life that he had got to know." He is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their three sons. Watterson concluded, "I know he will be a much-missed friend and colleague."
Defa Minister Clare Barber shared her sentiments, stating she had "the privilege of knowing John as a colleague, friend and all-round incredible person" who had made "a positive impact to all who worked with him."
Chief Minister Alfred Cannan characterized Mr. Wannenburgh's death as "a significant loss to our island." He affirmed, "He served the people of the Isle of Man with commitment, integrity and a genuine sense of public duty." Cannan highlighted his widespread respect "for his contribution to public life, particularly as member for Douglas North where he worked as a steadfast advocate for his constituents." He concluded, "John always listened, offered support and worked to improve the lives of those he served."