Onchan Commissioners select a new vice chair 

A by-election will also be held to fill the vacant seat

A new vice chair has been appointed on the board of Onchan Commissioners.

At last night’s meeting, Robin Turton was chosen to fill the vacant position following the resignation of Fenella Logan last month.

David Quirk nominated Mr Turton, whilst Derek Crellin nominated Anthony Allen for the role.

A secret ballot was held in line with standing orders with four votes to Mr Turton and two votes were given to Mr Allen.

It was also agreed by four votes to two that Mr Turton be the representative on the Municipal Association.

Mr Turton said he was looking forward to taking on the role:

Also on the agenda was a discussion about whether to hold a by-election to fill the vacant position.

The clerk said the cost of holding a by-election would be around £10,000, there would also be an impact on staffing and the services provided by the local authority.

He also said, if it was contested the elected member would be in the role for about five months before the local elections are held in April.

Commissioner Kathryn Williams had concerns that operating without a full board wouldn’t be ‘right’ and questioned if they could ‘consciously’ make decisions when rules ‘stipulate’ there must be seven.

Commissioner Derek Crellin said it would be in the ‘interests of democracy’ to hold the by-election, but said there would be an expense to candidates in a short period of time.

It was agreed unanimously to hold a by-election and to use money from the general reserves to pay for the costs.

Two written questions were submitted to Chair Zara Lewin about a recent building opening and the appearance of the Mayor of Douglas.

She said she hadn’t consulted anyone about the mayor's officiating of the opening and was unaware that’s what she was doing.

However, Miss Lewin did confirm she’d given permission to allow the mayor to wear her chains as part of the ceremony.

Onchan Commissioners will next meet on Monday 7 October.