Tynwald pays tribute to long-standing politician

Leonard Singer was first elected to the House of Keys in 1996

Tynwald members have paused to remember longstanding member of the House of Keys and Legislative Council Leonard Singer who died last month.

Mr Singer, who served 14 years in national politics and was elected as Deputy Speaker of the House of Keys in 2013, died on 27 December at the age of 80 following a long illness.

President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly said he had played a "full part" in government life having served on numerous departments, boards and committees.

Members paused to pay their respects at the beginning of the January sitting.

Long-serving

Mr Singer served as MHK for Ramsey for a total of 11 years, coupled with a three-year spell as an MLC.

Mr Skelly said he was "a member of that small group of people who moved from keys to council, and back again".

"I’m sure we were all saddened" to hear of Mr Singer's death, he said.

Born in Manchester, Mr Singer trained as a pharmacist, qualifying from Liverpool College of Pharmacy in 1966.

He first entered politics in 1973 when he was elected to Stockport Metropolitan District Council, where he served until 1986 before moving to the Isle of Man.

Mr Singer also helped to organise the island's annual Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations and was a strong supporter of the League of Friends of Ramsey Cottage Hospital.

The Chief Minister Alfred Cannan previously said Mr Singer was "a committed local and national politician who cared deeply for Ramsey and his constituents".