The two candidates seeking to become the Isle of Man’s next Chief Minister offered contrasting views on the significance of election results during hustings in Tynwald.
Asked by Douglas South MHK Claire Christian whether all elected MHKs have an equal constitutional right to seek election as Chief Minister, Chris Thomas responded a very simple “yes.”
Kirrie Jenkins said the House of Keys is the only part of Tynwald directly elected by the public and argued that the chief ministerial mandate should go to the candidate who secured the strongest support from voters.
She said: “The House of Keys is the only part that the public directly elect and the mandate from the public went to the one that was returned the highest.
“So as far as the Chief Minister goes, I think the mandate needs to go to the person who led the poll in their constituency. Once the chief minister decision is made, everybody is equal.
“But the public do not get a direct election of the chief minister. So they have sent a very clear message in my view as to where they want their vote to go to.”
