The resignation of disgraced Labour MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Minister, Angela Rayner caused mayhem this week for the UK Prime Minister. The goings on in and around the Whitehall may well seem to be of little interest to the Isle of Man, however the fall out has potential to affect Manx-UK relations.
Sir Keir Starmer was forced to reshuffle his Cabinet after Rayner was found to have broken the Ministerial Code over her tax affairs and resigned from the front benches.
In the rearranging of Starmer’s ‘top team’, David Lammy has been appointed Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice—a role that carries direct constitutional relevance for the Isle of Man.
While often viewed through the lens of domestic legal reform, this ministerial post also serves as the formal link between the Crown and the Island’s government.
The Justice Secretary’s Role in Crown Dependency Affairs
The Ministry of Justice oversees the UK’s relationship with the Crown Dependencies: the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey.
Though the Isle of Man is self-governing, laws passed by its parliament, Tynwald, must receive Royal Assent via the UK Privy Council. The Justice Secretary facilitates this process and serves as the primary point of contact for constitutional and legal matters.
This role is not ceremonial—it is structural. The effectiveness of the relationship between the Isle of Man and the Crown often hinges on the responsiveness and procedural clarity of the Justice Secretary’s office.
A Historic Relationship & Westminster Control
The Isle of Man’s constitutional status dates back centuries. Tynwald, its parliament, is over 1,000 years old. The Island was formally revested into the British Crown in 1765, establishing its status as a Crown Dependency, but giving Westminster ultimate control.
Since then, the UK has retained responsibility for defence and international representation, while the Isle of Man governs its own domestic affairs.
The Justice Secretary’s role in this arrangement is pivotal, yet often underappreciated.
A Role Marked by Frequent Turnover
One of the challenges in maintaining consistent engagement with the Isle of Man is the high turnover in the Justice Secretary post.
Since the role was created in 2007, it has changed hands frequently—sometimes multiple times within a single year. This instability can hinder long-term policy development and delay legislative assent.
Here’s a list of post holders since its creation:
| Year(s) | Justice Secretary |
|---|---|
| 2025–present | David Lammy |
| 2024–2025 | Shabana Mahmood |
| 2023–2024 | Alex Chalk KC |
| 2022–2023 | Dominic Raab |
| 2022 | Brandon Lewis CBE |
| 2021–2022 | Dominic Raab |
| 2019–2021 | Robert Buckland KC |
| 2018–2019 | David Gauke |
| 2017–2018 | David Lidington CBE |
| 2016–2017 | Elizabeth Truss |
| 2015–2016 | Michael Gove |
| 2012–2015 | Chris Grayling |
| 2010–2012 | Kenneth Clarke KC |
| 2007–2010 | Jack Straw |
| 2007 (first holder) | Lord Falconer of Thoroton |
This revolving door has made it difficult for Crown Dependencies to build sustained ministerial relationships or resolve long-standing procedural issues.
What This Means for the Isle of Man
Lammy’s appointment presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The Isle of Man continues to advocate for timely legislative assent, clearer protocols, and a more consistent approach to constitutional engagement. Whether Lammy will bring renewed focus to these concerns remains to be seen.
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