It is already being portrayed as the Old School versus the New Broom, as Chris Thomas goes up against Kirrie Jenkins for the position of Chief Minister.
Call me old fashioned, but maybe we should step back from social media proclamations and make the debate about policies.
That would still mean that either Kirrie Jenkins or Chris Thomas rides out on top next week; but let it be because they persuade enough MHKs that they have the right vision, rather than allegiances to ethereal concepts of new and old.
It’s early days but we’re not ready to put D:Ream on the playlist.
Before we get to some of the feedback I’ve had from several sources, in terms of how some MHKs are acting, let us first reflect on the build-up to the Chief Minister nominations.
How the Chief Minister Nominations Developed
Rob Callister threw his hat into the ring early doors, which is a brave thing to do because Manx politicians are nothing if not curmudgeonly when someone is open about their ambition.
He subsequently dropped out earlier today (Tuesday).
Amid all the speculation, apparently Jane Poole-Wilson had decided by Friday that she wasn’t going to stand, recognising the concern over her previously stated position on the offshore wind farm. I also hear she made clear she would have abided by the will of Tynwald.
Chris Thomas finally confirmed his name earlier today. In terms of notice given he was still ahead of Kirrie Jenkins, the only other candidate at the deadline.
But, I am told, there was one other potential candidate in the frame a few days earlier.
Without saying too much, there may have been a frosty atmosphere in the area of Arbory, Castletown and Malew.
In withdrawing from the fray that person read the room, apparently literally.
Yes, there was a gathering of MHKs in one of the cloistered rooms of the Legislative Buildings, towards the end of last week, where informal lobbying and discussion took place among MHKs. All were invited, I understand.
It became clear from that point that another possible Chief Minister candidate, Claire Christian, had decided against. As for Alfred Cannan, I rather suspect he read the room on Election Night but didn’t want to say it straight away.
As of today, the belief is each candidate has nine pledged votes, with six undecided. And not entirely along new v old lines.
Remember, a straight 13 votes are needed to become Chief Minister. If not, Rob C or any other MHK can make an attempt.
Anyway, so far, so good, in terms of MHKs having sensible discourse.
New Statesmen?
But I have heard from several sources now that not all of the new intake have been behaving as decorously and graciously as they might, since arriving on the crest of a wave.
If true, it is disappointing.
Rumours abound that some have not felt it necessary to attend many of the meetings and induction processes laid on for them.
Now, you may think this is fine, as a lot of it could be indoctrination. But perhaps they should at least turn up to find out for themselves.
Politicians need to hear things they may not want to and then reach a decision.
I have also heard of new MHKs shutting out some of the more experienced MHKs from conversations, to the extent of closing doors on rooms that are expected to be open for all.
Maybe these are misunderstandings. Maybe if new MHKs had turned up to some of the induction meetings, they would have heard how some rooms have to be booked before they decide who can and cannot go in.
At the moment, it sounds discourteous and disrepsectful.
It suggests some believe they know enough already about how things work.
Trust me, oh new intake, you do not.
Known Unknowns
I know MHKs who say it took them years to get to know how to use Tynwald procedures effectively – and that they learned a lot from older colleagues who were prepared to share experiences. (Including how to get your way with the Civil Service, something we’re all talking about.)
In a nutshell: You need to know what you don’t know.
You cannot change, effectively, something you do not understand properly.
This reminds me of the Class of 2016, when 12 new MHKs entered Tynwald and there was an air of they knew it all already.
How many are left now? Those that are probably listened.
You don’t have to agree, but you should always listen.
Worryingly, if the reports I have heard are accurate and widespread, it sounds like some might believe the hype over the supposed “seismic” change; less than a fortnight after being elected.
They may well live to regret it.
I suspect some will not want to listen to this advice, either, but they should.
Ditch the Hubris
The new House of Keys has the opportunity to make change. But the MHKs need to work together.
That includes listening to people who may have different opinions. And it includes learning from others who have been through it.
Then, maybe, some of the newer MHKs will avoid some of the mistakes of their predecessors. Not listening being high on that list.
Civil servants who don’t want to change a thing will be rubbing their hands in glee upon hearing these tales such hubris. It plays right into those hands.
Just a reminder, of the 16 seats where a defending MHK was standing, nine of them were won by the defending MHK. Trust me, if people still vote for you after five or 10 years, even at a reduced number, then you’re getting some things right.
Whoever is voted in as Chief Minister, assuming they manage to corral the required 13 votes next week, should tell the others:
Forget the hype, work together.
Look, listen and learn.
Because if you don’t then the very institutions and processes you want to dismantle will chew you up for breakfast.
