Chris Thomas casts himself as 'first among equals' in government video

The Isle of Man Government has released a video introducing Chris Thomas as the island’s new Chief Minister, in which he describes himself as “first among equals”, 3FM has reported.

The footage was posted on the government’s YouTube channel after Mr Thomas secured the support of MHKs, the members of the House of Keys, the elected chamber of Tynwald.

The phrase is a familiar one in parliamentary systems. It is generally used of a leader who chairs colleagues of equal standing rather than one who directs them.

According to 3FM, Mr Thomas says in the video that his future policies will be shaped by two things: his own experience, and the new ideas brought by members elected to the House of Keys for the first time.

3FM’s report did not detail any specific policy commitments made in the video.