Three new MLCs take on government department roles

Newly appointed Members of the Legislative Council were sworn in on Tuesday

The three newest members of the Manx parliament's upper chamber have been assigned roles within the government's treasury, home affairs and health departments.

Gary Clueit, Kirstie Morphet and Peter Reid were all sworn in for their five-year terms as Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) at a ceremony on Tuesday.

Meanwhile it has been confirmed that Rob Mercer, who has secured re-election to the council, will no longer serve in the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

Fellow MLC Tanya August-Phillips has stepped down from her role within the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and will take on a post in the Department of Enterprise.

'Improving services'

Clueit, a businessman and lay member of the Housing and Communities Board, has been appointed to the Treasury replacing Bill Henderson, who failed to secure re-election to the council earlier this month.

After more than 20 years as a social worker, Morphet replaces Mercer in the DHA.

A government spokeswoman said Mercer was "supportive of the change".

No decision about any future appointment for him had yet been made, the spokeswoman added.

Reid has become a member of the DHSC, replacing August-Phillips, who gave notice that she was to step down from departmental duties after the recent council election.

In her new role within the Department for Enterprise, she will focus on the work of the Finance Isle of Man agency.

Her work in the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture will continue.

Deputy Chief Minister Jane Poole-Wilson thanked members for their contributions.

She said she looked forward to working with newly appointed MLCs "as we focus on the challenges of delivering and improving services".