The Isle of Man’s two declared Chief Minister candidates, Kirrie Jenkins MHK and Chris Thomas MHK, have set out their visions for the next administration.
Jenkins has built her campaign around the slogan “Stabilise. Strengthen. Streamline.”, arguing that voters want a government focused on delivery rather than political division.
Her proposal centres on rebuilding public trust, creating a more collegiate style of government and establishing clear priorities before developing a new government programme.
She has called for a government that is “better, not bigger”, with an emphasis on accountability, housing, economic growth, public service delivery and long-term resilience in areas such as food and energy security.
A key theme of the Jenkins pitch is cultural change within government. She argues the new House of Keys should embrace the significant influx of new members and work together across political divides, with ministers first reviewing the commitments inherited from the previous administration before setting future priorities.
Policy Programme
Thomas, meanwhile, has centred his campaign on “Smaller, Smarter, Smoother Government”, presenting a detailed policy programme that focuses heavily on economic growth, public sector reform and cost-of-living pressures.
The current Treasury Minister has highlighted his ministerial record as evidence of his ability to lead government, citing tax reforms, public sector pay agreements, immigration changes and spending controls.
His manifesto contains a wide range of specific proposals covering housing, transport, healthcare, migration, energy and public finances.
Among them are plans to refresh the island’s economic strategy, reform migration policy, improve air and sea links, increase affordable housing options and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses.
Who Nominated Who?
Kirrie Jenkins was proposed by Peel and Glenfaba MHK Katryna Baptist and seconded by Ayre and Michael MHK Stephen Broad.
Chris Thomas was proposed by Ramsey MHK Robert Cowell and seconded by Middle MHK Jane Poole-Wilson.
Jenkins has the potential to make history if successful as the first female Chief Minister, as well as the first person to have been elected fresh into the Keys and then take the top job.
