Southern MHKs won't support Budget without proper pool provision

It'd be the highest number to reject Budget in 30 years

At least four MHKs say they will not support the Budget next month if there isn't sufficient support for the south of the Island, and in particular, the Southern Swimming Pool.

It's after it was revealed last week that the Department of Education, Sport and Culture will recommend to Tynwald to close the pool at the end of the financial year.

As a result, all the members representing the south have told Manx Radio they will vote against the treasury minister's Pink Book.

Rushen MHK Juan Watterson says he's unhappy with a number of issues:

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse says it's been a hard decision for him to make:

Rushen MHK Dr Michelle Haywood says it's been a hard decision for her to make:

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Tim Glover says it would take a lot to change his mind:

The report into regional sports hubs was supposed to be released in October. Last week, government said it would be published on Monday, but it's yet to be released.

The recommendation to close the pool will be made by the education minister in February's Tynwald, which is when the Budget will be debated and voted on by members.

Traditionally, that happens ahead of any other order of business.

So, in theory, could Tynwald approve a Budget which has no funding for the Southern Swimming Pool in, and then vote against a recommendation to close it?

And if it could, where would that leave the treasury minister?

Manx Radio asked Dr Alex Allinson for an interview clarifying exactly that, but on this occasion he declined.

Tony Brown is a former chief minister and, during his years as an MHK, represented Castletown.

He told Manx Radio what he thinks about the timing of the announcement:

While having four Tynwald members oppose a Budget is rare, it wouldn't be enough to stop the Pink Book getting the seal of approval.

The Southern MHKs would have to go on a recruitment drive to derail it completely.