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Chief minister faces no confidence vote

Tuesday, 29 October 2024 06:13

By Amy Griffiths

MHKs to say whether Cannan should continue in his role

For the first time in Manx history, a non-statuary motion of no confidence in the chief minister will be debated in the House of Keys today (Tuesday 29 October).

Alf Cannan will find out whether his peers still believe he's the person to lead the Island after electing him to the position three years ago.

It might be the first time that a chief minister has had this type of no confidence motion tabled against them, but it's not the first time Mr Cannan has faced doubts about his tenure.

After the now-scrapped plans to close the Southern Swimming Pool and then the Budget in February which saw the higher rate of income tax increased, he came close to one.

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Tim Glover, Onchan member Julie Edge and Debbie Halsall from the Unite Union were among those questioning his leadership:

While he avoided a motion then, today Mr Cannan will have to hear critiques of his leadership from his peers.

Mr Glover is now tabling a motion of no confidence specifically in the chief minister.

Under Manx law, MHKs are able to have the Island's leader removed from their position by tabling a statutory motion against the Council of Ministers as a whole.

If that were successful, it would trigger a series of standing orders eventually leading to an election for a new chief minister.

Today's motion though is a non-statutory one, which in simple terms means it won't be legally binding.

So what's the point?

Professor Peter Edge is an expert in Manx public law and has been explaining the process in more detail:

One politician who has already declared his position is Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas.

Not only has he told Manx Radio he doesn't support Alf Cannan, he's also declared his candidacy for chief minister should the position become vacant:

The House of Keys will be broadcast live on Manx Radio from 10am.

You can either listen on AM 1368 or click here.

Professor Edge's interview in full is available below:

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