Education minister sacked in 'mid-term review'

Julie Edge has been education minister since October 2021

The Isle of Man's education minister has been sacked amid a "mid-term" review of the Council of Ministers, the chief minister has said.

Alfred Cannan said he had asked Julie Edge to step down as it was an "appropriate time" to introduce a "fresh perspective" to the council.

Garff MHK Daphne Caine, who is a former children’s champion, will take on the role with immediate effect, he said.

Ms Edge said she was "disappointed" but "not surprised" as she was someone who "regularly challenges decisions and offers the public perspective".

Ms Edge had faced calls to resign in the House of Keys last month, after a community pool in the south of the island was threatened with closure.

Making the change, Mr Cannan said he had balanced "the need for continuity with opportunities to allow for fresh thinking as the administration pursues its objectives around the Island Plan and Economic Strategy".

He thanked Ms Edge for her "dedication and hard work" throughout her two-and-half years as Minister for Education, Sport and Culture.

He said she had "always conducted herself with diligence, dignity and a strong sense of duty", although the brief had thrown up a number of challenges during her time in office time.

'Fresh thinking'

Ms Edge said, like her fellow Onchan MHK Rob Callister, who was sacked from the position of health minister in 2022 after seven weeks in the post, she would "stand up for what I believe in and always listen to and represent the people of Onchan and the wider island".

"I will, of course, continue to support the government in pursuit of policies which align with my own and I wish my successor well", the MHK said.

Taking over the position, Ms Caine said she had a "passionate interest in the delivery of education", and looked forward to "making a positive contribution to developing and enhancing education, sport and culture across the island".

Ms Caine was recently appointed political member for the enterprise department with responsibility for motorsport.