IOM lieutenant governor's term of office extended

Sir John Lorimer was sworn in at a ceremony in Castletown in 2021

The Isle of Man's lieutenant governor will now remain in post until August 2027, it has been announced.

Sir John Lormier's tenure, which had been due to end on 30 September 2026, has been extended by 11 months to avoid clashing with next year's general election.

King Charles, who is also the Lord of Mann, approved the move, the Cabinet Office said.

The lieutenant governor is the King's representative on the island and plays a constitutional role in national elections and the formation of a new government.

'Provide stability'

With the general election set to take place on 24 September 2026, the 11-month extension will "provide stability until the next government is formally installed", the Cabinet Office said.

Sir John was sworn in at Castle Rushen on 30 September 2021, taking over from Sir Richard Gozney.

Sir Richard's term of office had also been extended by three months, from April to August 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He declared a state of emergency on the island for the first time since World War Two.