Some of the island’s politicians have been responding to the latest reshuffle/non-optional resignations from the Council of Ministers.
Dr Michelle Haywood and Dr Alex Allinson have both left CoMin, replaced by Tim Crookall (back at the DoI again) and Chris Thomas.
Glover
The Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK said it is clear that the duo were “sacked by the chief minister – let’s get the language correct”.
He added: “I said at the time of bringing a vote of no confidence that leadership was about bringing people with you.
“A succession of ministers (whoever was in post at that time as hard to keep up with changes) stood up and said they would resign if this vote was won and pleaded for stability.
“Not sure this smacks of stability! Also feel it is too late – a month away from the budget and six months from the end of this administration seems like pressing the panic button.”
Edge
The Onchan MHK said the chief minister had made the right call and that she will “work with the new minister on how to bring the 5% in April and then the next steps”.
She added: “I’ll own it: the point is clear, we must manage the pace as the new Minister has stated, this has to protect workers and prevent avoidable damage to jobs and the wider economy.
“With the new Treasury Minister now in place, I am ready to work constructively on how we achieve fair pay responsibly in April. It needs to be Evidence Based Policy making using, real-world business impacts. Fair pay has to be delivered responsibly.”
Hooper
There’s a lot in this, so the Lib Vannin leader has not been shy on his reaction to today’s news or the plans for changes to policies.
On the sackings, he said: “Nothing says strong & stable leadership like a panicked last minute “reshuffle” the month before the Budget and 6 months before the end of his term…”
While referring to Mr Thomas’ appointment, he said: “I like Chris but he wouldn’t have been my first choice this late into an administration…”
We carry on with Mr Crookall’s appointment: “Hasn’t Tim resigned from Alf’s government twice already? Over serious policy differences? 🤔”
On plans to step back the minimum wage rise: “Good luck getting another new set of Regulations through Tynwald by performing another humiliating u-turn
“He’s likely to be the shortest tenured Treasury Minister in history and may be the first one to lose a budget vote.”
Finally, on pausing the 20mph rollout: “These issues are Tynwald policy – stuff Tynwald has approved very recently in some cases.
“Does Alf really think that Tynwald is likely to back more of his u-turns given he has been the architect of his government’s failings?”