MHKs to choose between Jenkins and Thomas as Chief Minister on Tuesday

Members of the House of Keys will elect the island’s next Chief Minister at 10:00 on Tuesday 13 October. Kirrie Jenkins, MHK for Arbory, Castletown and Malew, and Chris Thomas, MHK for Douglas Central, are the two candidates to succeed Alfred Cannan.

At a lengthy hustings in the Legislative Council Chamber on Thursday, the pair answered questions from fellow MHKs on housing, the economy, public services and restoring public trust, according to Isle of Man Today.

How the vote works

The process is set out in the Council of Ministers Act 1990, Manx Radio reported. Both candidates have lodged the required policy statements, and MHKs will be able to question them before voting. A successful candidate needs the backing of at least 13 members present.

If neither reaches that figure, Speaker David Ashford may adjourn before a second vote. If there is still no majority, fresh nominations can be invited. Any new nominee must publish a policy statement, and members get an hour to read it. If MHKs still cannot agree, the sitting can be adjourned to the following day.

Economy and public finances

Mrs Jenkins told the hustings that the island’s public finances, essential services and economy rested on a “firm foundation” that needed strengthening, Isle of Man Today reported. She wants the island to be a “safe harbour” in uncertain times. She also wants a leaner government that does away with duplication, needless processes and hold-ups.

She singled out the hospitality sector, saying government should examine costs, staffing, demand, fees, regulation, licensing and procurement. She also argued that businesses needed faster decisions from government.

Mr Thomas cited what he had achieved as a minister. He listed a higher personal tax allowance, a new approach to setting the minimum wage and work on an estimated £20m annual overspend at the Department of Infrastructure in 2022. “The island voted for change. Now we need to turn it into action,” he said.

Wind farms and housing

The candidates were asked whether they would back a vote requiring all nationally significant wind farm applications, on land or at sea, to get final approval from Tynwald. Mrs Jenkins answered simply “yes”.

Mr Thomas said consenting and the parallel taxation processes had to be completed lawfully. He warned of legal risks given existing leases, consenting regimes and money already spent. “We need a blended approach,” he said.

On housing, Mrs Jenkins wants a wider review of the market. She said it should take in empty properties, holiday homes, second homes and what is driving up the price of land. She also raised rising freight costs for building materials, questioning whether the Steam Packet was being used to support the wider economy.

Mr Thomas proposed an early Tynwald motion to clarify the affordable housing target, its funding and how homes would be delivered. He said the current pledge of up to 1,000 affordable homes over 10 years from April 2025 was unclear in places and needed resolving. He also called for a housing and planning policy minister.

On public-sector staffing, Mrs Jenkins said recruitment should be guided by evidence. Mr Thomas wants to cut surplus management posts and overlapping work.

Manx Radio will broadcast Tuesday’s sitting live from 10:00.