Newcomer Michael Crowe takes Treasury as Chris Thomas names his ministers

First-term Rushen MHK Michael Crowe is the island’s new Treasury Minister. He is one of three newly elected members in the eight-strong Council of Ministers named by Chief Minister Chris Thomas on Friday 16 October.

Newly elected Ramsey MHK Robert Cowell has been appointed Minister for Enterprise. He takes charge of the department responsible for business and economic development. Onchan MHK Dr Rachel Glover, also a newcomer, will lead the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).

According to the Isle of Man Government, the ministers received their warrants of appointment from the Lieutenant Governor, Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer, at a ceremony at Government House. Mr Thomas then chaired the first meeting of the new Council of Ministers, the island’s cabinet.

The full line-up is:

• Chief Minister and Minister for the Cabinet Office: Chris Thomas
• Minister for the Treasury: Michael Crowe
• Minister for Enterprise: Robert Cowell
• Minister for Education, Sport and Culture: Sarah Maltby
• Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture: Dr Rachel Glover
• Minister for Health and Social Care: Claire Christian
• Minister for Infrastructure: Jason Moorhouse
• Minister for Justice and Home Affairs: Jane Poole-Wilson

Two ministers keep their existing portfolios. Energy FM reported that Claire Christian continues at Health and Social Care and Middle MHK Jane Poole-Wilson returns to Justice and Home Affairs. Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse takes over at Infrastructure.

Four of the eight ministers are women. BBC News said that was more than ever before. The BBC noted that newcomers in ministerial posts had been expected, because most members of the House of Keys elected in September are first-time politicians.

Several experienced members are not in the new council. Alfred Cannan, the Ayre and Michael MHK and former Chief Minister, is now a backbencher, Isle of Man Today reported. The BBC said Onchan MHK Rob Callister and Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher were also left without ministerial roles.

Kirrie Jenkins, who lost to Mr Thomas in Tuesday’s Chief Minister election, is also absent. According to Isle of Man Today, Mr Thomas had earlier indicated that she would be offered a ministerial post.

Mr Thomas said he had “formed a team that will work together to get things done and deliver for the people of the Isle of Man”.

He said his priority this week had been to fill the main government departments, after discussions with many members, drawing on “a breadth of experience and backgrounds”. He said there was “still scope to support the Council of Ministers with further appointments” as the new administration’s priorities became clearer.

The Chief Minister also said he looked forward to working with all Members of Tynwald to “deliver change, tackle the challenges before us and make the most of the opportunities ahead”.

The Government said it would announce later which members will sit on each department, along with appointments to statutory boards and other public bodies.