Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper has warned the government risks losing its Budget after appointing a new Treasury Minister.
Mr Hooper’s comments come after the newly appointed Treasury Minister Chris Thomas MHK indicated he would take a “slower approach” to future minimum wage increases.
Reacting to this, Mr Hooper said: “Good luck getting another new set of Regulations through Tynwald by performing another humiliating u-turn.”
He also raised doubts about the longevity of the new appointment, suggesting the timing of the reshuffle could have serious political consequences.
“He’s likely to be the shortest tenured Treasury Minister in history and may be the first one to lose a budget vote,” Mr Hooper added.
The comments follow the Chief Minister’s decision to remove Dr Alex Allinson from the Treasury role, just weeks ahead of the Budget, and appoint Chris Thomas as Treasury Minister as the government enters the final months of its administration.
