Politics
Deposed Minister Criticises Lack of Plan or Direction
She had served as Education Minister since October 2011.
Onchan MHK Julie Edge has said she is not surprised by her sacking from the Council of Ministers.
She had served as Education Minister since October 2021.
Ms Edge has said she was asked to step down ’24 hours after I told the Chief Minister of my intention to speak publicly about my pre-determined position on whistleblowing and the government’s management of the Dr Rosalind Ranson case and the Richard Wright KC report debated in Tynwald this week’.
A move she says ‘speaks volumes to me’.
Ms Edge added that she wishes her successor Daphe Caine well, but that her appointment ‘a matter of weeks after she was appointed to the Department for Enterprise as Political Member, with specific responsibility for Visit Isle of Man and Motorsport’, has highlighted ‘a lack of a clear plan or direction’.
She added: ‘I wish to thank all my colleagues, officers and staff in the Department, along with those in schools, at UCM, and those who work in sports, arts and culture. I am proud of how much we have achieved together over a short space of time and their dedication to education and children, skills, development and life-long learning is exemplary.
‘My focus today is on a smooth transition. I stand by the number of initiatives we have delivered and continue to progress, many of which will shortly come to fruition, and the tough decisions we have had to take in the Department over the past two and a half years.
‘Like my colleague in Onchan who was removed as a Minister after a matter of weeks, I will stand up for what I believe in and always listen to and represent the people of Onchan and the wider Island. I will, of course, continue to support the government in pursuit of policies which align with my own and I wish my successor well.’
