Chief Minister Chris Thomas has announced his new Council of Ministers, with three newly appointed members taking charge of key government departments.

Ramsey MHK Robert Cowell has been appointed Minister for Enterprise, Onchan MHK Dr Rachel Glover takes over the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), and Rushen MHK Michael Crowe becomes Treasury Minister.

The appointments were confirmed at a ceremony at Government House earlier today, where the new ministers received their warrants of appointment from the Lieutenant Governor, His Excellency Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer.

One notable absence from the new line-up is Kirrie Jenkins, who lost out to Mr Thomas in Tuesday’s Chief Minister election.

Mr Thomas had previously said she would be offered a role within his Council of Ministers, but she has not been named among the eight ministers announced today.

Elsewhere, Jason Moorhouse has been appointed Minister for Infrastructure, while Sarah Maltby takes charge of the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.

Alfred Cannan, Ayre and Michael MHK and former Chief Minister, is now a backbencher.

Mr Thomas will also serve as Minister for the Cabinet Office, while Claire Christian remains Minister for Health and Social Care and Jane Poole-Wilson continues as Minister for Justice and Home Affairs.

The new Council of Ministers is:

- Chief Minister and Minister for the Cabinet Office: Hon Chris Thomas MHK

- Minister for Enterprise: Hon Robert Cowell MHK

- Minister for Education, Sport and Culture: Hon Sarah Maltby MHK

- Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture: Hon Dr Rachel Glover MHK

- Minister for Health and Social Care: Hon Claire Christian MHK

- Minister for Infrastructure: Hon Jason Moorhouse MHK

- Minister for Justice and Home Affairs: Hon Jane Poole-Wilson MHK

- Minister for the Treasury: Hon Michael Crowe MHK

Mr Thomas said he was pleased to have formed a team that would work together to deliver for the island.

He said: ‘We must act to address the issues that matter to the public and ensure our Island is a place “where you can”.

‘I look forward to engaging with all Members of Tynwald and working collaboratively to deliver change, tackle the challenges before us and make the most of the opportunities ahead.’

The Chief Minister said his priority this week, following discussions with numerous Members, had been to appoint ministers to the main government departments, drawing on a breadth of experience and backgrounds.

He added that there remained scope for further appointments as the new administration’s priorities became clearer.

Mr Thomas is chairing his first meeting of the new Council of Ministers this morning.

Departmental memberships and appointments to statutory boards and other public bodies will be announced at a later date.