Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has today announced changes to the membership of the Council of Ministers in preparation for the new streamlined structure of Government being introduced from April this year.
The changes, which take immediate effect, include the appointment of two new Ministers and the departure of three existing members of the Council.
Appointments and roles are as follows:
- Chris Robertshaw MHK, previously Minister for Social Care, is designated to become the Minister for Policy and Reform when that new role comes into being on April 1. In the meantime he will be Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, succeeding Graham Cregeen MHK, until the dissolution of that Department at the end of March.
- Howard Quayle MHK joins the Council of Ministers in a dual role as Minister for Health, succeeding David Anderson MHK, and Minister for Social Care, succeeding Mr Robertshaw. Mr Quayle will become Minister for Health and Social Care when that new merged Department comes into effect on April 1.
- Laurence Skelly MHK joins the Council of Ministers as Minister for Infrastructure, succeeding David Cretney MHK.
Other Ministerial roles remain unchanged: Treasury – Eddie Teare MHK; Economic Development – John Shimmin MHK; Education and Children – Tim Crookall MHK; Home Affairs – Juan Watterson MHK; Environment, Food and Agriculture – Phil Gawne MHK.
Announcing the new Ministerial line up, Mr Bell said:
‘The streamlining of Government starts at the top with a reduction in the size of the Council of Ministers, and I have taken this opportunity to review and refresh its membership. Looking ahead, it is important to bring in new blood occasionally to develop experience and talent for the future.’
The Chief Minister added:
‘I have offered my personal thanks to the outgoing Ministers for their hard work and dedication in roles that have often been challenging. They have served their Island well and I know they will continue to do so.’
Membership of Government Departments under the new structure will be announced in due course, as will proposals for the leadership of Statutory Boards.
