Tynwald has rejected a report which criticised language used by the Chief Minister despite four of his ministers voting in favour of it.
While MLCs backed the report 5-3, MHKs voted against it 10-13.
The report stemmed from remarks made by Chief Minister Alfred Cannan in October 2024, when he described former Health Minister Lawrie Hooper’s resignation statement as containing “fabrication, falsehood, or gaslighting.”
Mr. Hooper referred the comments to the Standards Committee, which recommended Mr. Cannan withdraw his remarks and called for training on parliamentary language.
Speaker Juan Watterson, who moved the motion, said: “It is not acceptable parliamentary practice for one member to characterise what another member has said as fabrication, falsehood or gaslighting.”
He added, “This is a decision by Honourable Members as to what sort of court they want to be a part of.”
In the end, four members of CoMin (David Ashford, Clare Barber, Dr Michelle Haywood and Jane Poole-Wilson) voted for the recommendations.
However, the majority of backbenchers voted against it, sparing the Chief’s blushes.
Opposition
Rob Callister opposed the report, stating: “We must remain mindful of the code of conduct… but some colleagues could benefit from developing a thicker political skin.”
Julie Edge criticised the proceedings, saying: “We need to stop attacking, start listening, and stop protecting egos.”
Paul Craine supported training but disagreed with demanding a withdrawal, while Chris Thomas argued: “We need to enable healthy, earnest political debate.” Tim Glover urged resolution: “The public are fed up of the bickering… let’s move on.”
Manx.News has contacted government to ask if Mr Cannan still has trust and confidence in the ministers who voted in favour of the motion.
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