Beecroft 'joins contest' for Isle of Man chief minister role

Kate Beecroft has been a member of the House of Keys since 2011- she is the leader of the Liberal Vannin party

The leader of the Isle of Man's Liberal Vannin party says she has "joined the contest" to become chief minister.

Kate Beecroft, who retained her Douglas South seat in last week's general election,, announced on Facebook that she was putting her name forward.

All nominations have to be submitted to Tynwald by 17:00 BST on 27 September.

Mrs Beecroft's announcement follows that of Laurence Skelly who told the BBC on Friday that he would be bidding to succeed Allan Bell, who is retiring.

Mr Skelly, the island's former economic development minister, retained his Rushen seat.

Referring to the fact that half of the 24 MHKs will be new to Tynwald, Mr Skelly said he would seek to "unite an inexperienced House of Keys".

If elected chief minister, Mrs Beecroft said she would come up with a government programme which has "the full backing of all of Tynwald members".

She added: "It does not really make a difference if you are a woman or not - it's about what you have to offer to the role."

Mrs Beecroft, who has been in Manx politics since 2011, was one of a record five women who gained a seat in the House of Keys.