MHK Dr Alex Allinson has stepped down as a GP partner at Ramsey Group Practice.

He said he was making the move to focus on his new strategic role in the Cabinet Office.

But he will continue working as a locum doctor in Ramsey over the summer.

Announcing his decision in a notice in the Isle of Man Courier, Dr Allinson said: ’I take my increased role in government very seriously. It is for this reason that I have made the difficult decision to stand down as partner at the practice.’

Ramsey Group Practice is currently advertising for a new partner.

Dr Allinson stood down at the beginning of this month but will be working at the practice over the summer, helping to cover a colleague’s maternity leave.

He moved to the island in 2002 to join the Ramsey Group Practice as one of its GPs.

After being elected to the House of Keys in September 2016, he reduced his hours at the surgery to two days a week - as well as being the chairman of Manx Utilities, political member of the Department of Home Affairs and member of several committees.

Dr Allinson told iomtoday.co.im: ’When I stood for election there were many people who argued I could not continue to work as a GP and also function as a MHK.

’Two years later I hope I have proved them wrong. It has been a challenge at times.

’After the first few weeks at the Cabinet office it was clear I needed more time to concentrate on this very strategic role.

’By standing down as a partner I can concentrate on just seeing patients and leave the bureaucracy of running the practice to other partners.’

He added: ’I’m sad to be reducing my role after 16 years but my aim is to continue as a doctor in Ramsey as and when I can. Once a replacement has been found I’ll continue when they need me and cover holidays.’