Three new ministerial appointments have been made by the Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK, changes he says will reinvigorate the Council of Ministers as it continues to drive delivery of the Island Plan.
David Ashford MHK becomes Minister for the Cabinet Office, replacing Kate Lord Brennan MHK who is stepping down to focus on constituency matters. Claire Christian MHK takes over from the Chief Minister as Minister for Health and Social Care. Dr Michelle Haywood MHK becomes Minister for Infrastructure, taking over from Tim Crookall MHK.
Mr Crookall will remain a minister, serving without portfolio under the Chief Minister, and will focus initially on driving the efficiencies savings programme, as well as supporting the Chief Minister on external relations and oversight of the Island Plan.
Rob Callister MHK will serve as Chair of the Public Services Commission and Vice Chair of the Public Sector Pensions Authority and will also join the Cabinet Office as a political member.
The Chief Minister said:
'I welcome Mr Ashford, Ms Christian and Dr Haywood to the Council of Ministers and thank them for stepping forward to serve our Island. I would also like to place on record my thanks to Ms Lord-Brennan for her service over the past three years.
'There remains much work to do in delivering on our mission to build a secure, vibrant and sustainable future for the Isle of Man. I believe these new appointments will reinvigorate the Council of Ministers as we continue to focus on delivering Our Island Plan.'
The membership of the Council of Ministers is as follows:
- Chief Minister – Hon Alfred Cannan MHK
- Minister for the Cabinet Office – Hon David Ashford MHK
- Minister for Education, Sport and Culture – Hon Daphne Caine MHK
- Minister for Enterprise – Hon Tim Johnston MHK
- Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture – Hon Clare Barber MHK
- Minister for Health and Social Care – Hon Claire Christian MHK
- Minister for Infrastructure – Hon Dr Michelle Haywood MHK
- Minister for Justice and Home Affairs – Hon Jane Poole-Wilson MHK
- Minister for the Treasury – Hon Dr Alex Allinson MHK
- Minister without Portfolio – Hon Tim Crookall MHK
