Chief minister faces no confidence vote in funds row

Alfred Cannan was elected chief minister in 2021

The Isle of Man’s chief minister is set to face a no confidence vote in the House of Keys after a row that saw a minister resign over future health funding.

First elected to the house in 2011, Alfred Cannan MHK came into the top job in Manx politics following the general election in September 2021.

Tim Glover MHK has written to members outlining his intention to call a vote on 29 October and the tabling of the motion has been confirmed by the Clerk of Tynwald's Office.

In a statement Cannan said he remained "focused on the job".

The vote itself would need a majority of 13 to be successful, but would not be binding.

The move comes in the wake of the resignation of former Health Minister Lawrie Hooper last week in a row over future funding for Manx Care.

'Much to resolve'

Hooper had insisted the health care provider was underfunded, leading to a forecasted £16.8m overspend in some services before April.

But Cannan has argued repeated overspends by Manx Care were destabilising government finances and needed to be addressed.

The health care provider has outlined £5m of savings it plans to make to reduce its deficit in 2024-25.

Following the resignation, Cannan has taken over the running of the health department, with former government ministers Chris Thomas and David Ashford appointed political members.

In a letter to Keys members, Glover said while he could have put forward the motion for the first sitting of the new parliamentary year, he had delayed it as several members would be absent and to allow MHKs “more time to prepare” for the debate.

The chief minister said: "There is much to resolve, not least the delivery of healthcare and our financial sustainability.

"I am focused on the job. My diary is not changing and together with colleagues across Government we have a busy week ahead.”