Chief Minister takes over as interim Health Minister

Says health service 'cannot continue on this course'

The chief minister has stepped in as the interim minister for Health and Social Care.

It follows the resignation of Lawrie Hooper earlier today (15 October) who accused the chief minister of leading healthcare towards privatisation.

In a statement, Alfred Cannan said: "I want to thank Lawrie Hooper for his work. While progress has been made following the establishment of Manx Care in 2021 and there is much to be proud of, there remains much to do.

"It is clear there are significant challenges around ensuring financial discipline and managing the growing demand for health and social care services.

"These are not easy matters to resolve. But we cannot continue on this course.

"Repeated overspending is destabilising the Government’s finely balanced fiscal position."

He added: "Our immediate focus must be for the Department of Health and Social Care, the Treasury and Manx Care to work together on delivering financial balance.

"I will serve as Minister for Health and Social Care for a limited period to provide stability while considering options for the future political leadership of the Department."