Confidence Restored? Chief Minister Survives Motion

It’s been an interesting day in Manx politics as Chief Minister Alfred Cannan comfortably survived a non-statutory vote of no confidence.

Kicking off just after 11am, MHKs aired their views on the motion brought forward by Tim Glover, MHK for Arbory, Castletown and Malew.

Glover’s move to table the motion came amidst some high-stakes political chaos – Lawrie Hooper recently resigning as Minister for Health and Social Care in a major fallout over Manx Care funding.

But in the end, the Chief held on. Quite comfortably.

The motion was defeated with six members in favour and 18 standing by their man.

The six in Camp No-Confidence? Step forward Ms Christian, Ms Edge, Ms Faragher, Mr Glover, Mr Hooper, and Mr Thomas.

Meanwhile, the 18 backing Cannan were Dr Allinson, Mr Ashford, Mrs Barber, Mrs Caine, Mr Callister, Mrs Corlett, Mr Crookall, Dr Haywood, Mr Johnston, Ms Lord-Brennan, Mrs Maltby, Mr Moorhouse, Mr Peters, Mrs Poole-Wilson, Mr Smith, Mr Watterson (aka Mr Speaker), and Mr Wannenburgh. Oh, and let’s not forget Cannan himself.

Before the official vote but after the speeches, Cannan offered a humble nod to where he might have missed the mark, saying: ‘Where I have fallen short, I am sorry.

‘Whatever the outcome today, I can assure you I will continue to serve for as long as you’ll have me.’

So, what’s next?

It’s business as usual for the Chief, who said he was ‘humbled’ by the support from ministers.