Mr Corkill and his wife Julie were interviewed by detectives from the serious crime unit as part of their inquiries into allegations over grants paid to the Corkills by the Department of Tourism and Leisure.

Police also carried out inquiries at the Corkills' home address in Onchan.

Acting Chief Inspector Paul Ormond-Smith said the Corkills will be asked to reappear at a future date but had no further comment to make.

Mr Corkill stated today (Thursday): 'I am stepping down to safeguard the integrity of the office of chief minister of the Isle of Man. This has become necessary because of the fact that my wife and I were arrested yesterday in connection with allegations concerning our family business at Ballacain.

'The arrest was part of a process at a pre-arranged interview, and we were bailed and released without charge. However, it is clear that this development increases the pressure of public suspicion and speculation to a point where I have to step aside to protect the good name and credibility of the Isle of Man Government.

'My decision does not mean that allegations against myself and my wife have any more substance than they had before. Indeed, we remain completely confident that due process will confirm that allegations against us are false, and that we are innocent of any wrongdoing.'

Mr Corkill explained that the Council of Ministers would remain in place, and that Treasury Minister Allan Bell MHK would chair its meetings pending Tynwald's appointment of a successor.


Mr Corkill said an important factor in his decision, which was taken with deep regret, was the prolonged public pressure that his family was enduring while the allegations were investigated.

He added: 'I wish to thank all the officers of the chief secretary's and Chief Minister's Office for all their support over the past three years, and of course my Ministerial colleagues for their guidance and commitment in the best interests of the Island.'

Mr Bell said: 'Richard Corkill has been a dedicated and effective chief minister over the past three years and it is very sad that he has decided to stand down from the post.
'However, there will be no change in the direction of the Isle of Man Government's economic, social and taxation strategies or in the policies that have made the Island such a success as an international business centre.
'The development of such strategies and policies has spanned different administrations and ministers and they comman broad consensus support in the Island's Council of Ministers and parliament.'

A SPECIAL EDITION OF THE MANX INDEPENDENT WILL BE IN YOUR NEWSAGENTS LATER THIS AFTERNOON.