Claire Christian MHK

Claire Christian (born 1 February 1974) is currently a Manx Politician. Christian is Manx born and educated and currently lives in her constituency Douglas South.
Christian has an active role in Manx politics, serving as a Member of Tynwald and a Member of the House of Keys for Douglas South. After winning the 2020 by-election, she was successfully re-elected in the September 2021 General Election.
In 1992, Christian completed her A-Levels at Ballakermeen High School before pursuing a one-year Art Foundation course at the IOM College. She then attended the University of East London, graduating in 1998 with a BA (Hons) upper second Class degree (2:1) in Fashion Design and Marketing. Following her studies, Christian spent a decade at Burberry Ltd, where she held various operational and design production roles. Notably, she managed international supply chains, departmental budgets, and infrastructure strategies, working closely with international stakeholders and operating at both operational and strategic levels. She also played a significant role in the company's IPO and concluded her tenure as Product Development Manager. Subsequently, Christian served as Head of Womenswear at Hardy Amies, a prestigious dressmaker responsible for the Queen's attire. Later, in London, she held the position of COO/Head Designer at Melissa Odabash, a luxury womenswear brand located in Mayfair.
In 2010, Christian decided to embark on a new career path and retrained as a secondary school teacher. Relocating to Northumberland, she taught at the largest school in Newcastle, which had a diverse student body of over 2,600 individuals from various social backgrounds. Through a GTP program, Christian obtained her teaching qualification in Design and Technology and spent a year as an NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher). Despite her impressive tenure in the fashion industry, she claims that her time spent teaching for 2 years was the most fulfilling period of her life. During this period, Christian also pursued a part-time Masters in Education at University of Sunderland attaining 1/3 of a Masters.
Christian relocated back to the Island in 2012 and started her own business, Claire Christian Couture Ltd. Initially operating as a home-based bespoke service, the business gradually expanded to include ready-to-wear and bespoke offerings, culminating in the establishment of a retail presence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Christian became actively involved in the Isle of Man Government policy reaching those that were in need and emerged as a local spokesperson for businesses and self-employed individuals. She played a pivotal role in facilitating government support and acted as a conduit for relevant information. It was during this time that Christian's passion for politics took root, leading her to successfully run for office in August 2020.
Christian’s current political roles include; Political Member of the Department of Education, Sport and Culture with delegated responsibility for Culture, Chair of the Economic Policy Review Committee 2020-date, Member of the Public Accounts Committee and Chair of the Isle of Man Arts Council 2023-date, a Member of the Standing Orders Committee of the House of Keys, and a Member of the Standing Orders Committee of Tynwald. Christian past political roles include; Chair of the Planning Committee 2021 – 2022, Member of the Department of Infrastructure with delegated responsibility for Transport 2020 - 2021, Member of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture 2021 – 2022 with delegated responsibility for Planning and Built Environment.
Category:1974 births
Category:Manx people
Category:Alumni of the University of East London
Category:Politicians