Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has today announced three Ministerial changes including the appointment of Laurence Skelly MHK as the new Minister for Economic Development.
Mr Skelly, who succeeds John Shimmin MHK, had more than two years’ experience as a Member of the Department of Economic Development prior to his appointment as Minister for Infrastructure in March this year.
Mr Skelly is succeeded as Minister for Infrastructure by Phil Gawne MHK, who moves from his role as Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture. Mr Gawne is returning to the Department of Infrastructure having been Minister there in 2010 and 2011.
Joining the Council of Ministers as successor to Mr Gawne as Minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture, where he has been a Member, is Richard Ronan MHK.
The Chief Minister commented:
‘As I have said before, it is vital that we maintain continuity and momentum in developing the Island’s economy so it is good that the new Minister at Economic Development is someone with recent and significant experience as a Member of the Department.
‘Mr Gawne too is returning to a Department of which he has previous experience, so he understands the background of many of the issues that Infrastructure is dealing with.
‘Mr Ronan has shown dedication and commitment working for Government in a number of roles, and I am pleased to welcome him as a new member of the Council of the Ministers.’
