A MHK has accused the former infrastructure minister of “skullduggery” over the handling of a key local government reform bill.
Rob Callister MHK made the remarks during a debate on whether to delay the Local Government (Amendment) Bill for further consultation.
The debate followed a claim by former DoI minister Dr Michelle Haywood about the “prospect of corruption” in local authorities.
Speaking during an adjournment debate, Mr Callister said he was “shocked” by Dr Haywood’s explanation of the bill’s Clause 5.
He said: “What I am shocked about is the comments from my colleague from Rushen the previous DoI minister, who has at long last lifted this veil around what clause five actually means”.
Mr Callister added: “I do support the new minister actually going away and looking at this, looking at it properly, engagement with local authorities, and if he needs to bring back a new bill, then bring back a new bill, because there was absolutely skullduggery going on in the background from the previous DOI minister.”
The Speaker asked him to withdraw the remark, as it was “targeted as an individual”.
The House subsequently voted to adjourn consideration of the bill until March 10 to allow the new minister, Tim Crookall, to consult with local authorities.