Bill Shimmins

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.

Early life Shimmins was born in Scotland in 1965 and educated at Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh, Clydebank Technical College and the Glasgow College of Commerce.

Career Throughout 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 In 2016, Shimmins was elected to the House of Keys for the constituency of Middle along with incumbent Minister Howard Quayle. He received 33.5% of the vote.

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.

He has also supported the development of brownfield sites, development of active travel routes and the introduction of a 5p plastic bag charge.

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.

Known as an astute speaker in Tynwald, 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.

Election results

2016

Personal life Shimmins lives in Glen Vine and is married to Alison, a primary school teacher. They have two adult children.