Health Minister Kate Beecroft says a line has been drawn under issues surrounding an MHK’s resignation from her department.

Rob Callister resigned last month as member from the Department of Health and Social Care - citing personal reasons and a difference of opinion with the Minister.

He said he felt this was his only option, having found it ’increasingly difficult over the last month to support a particular course of action being undertaken by the Minister’.

Mr Callister refused to elaborate. And in a statement, the Council of Ministers insisted his departure was for ’personal reasons’.

But iomtoday has learned the resignation followed personal differences between Minister Beecroft and her department’s chief executive Malcolm Couch.

These came to a head when she asked the political members to sign a letter relating to Dr Couch’s continued position. This was essentially a vote of no confidence in the chief executive.

Mr Callister was one of those who refused to sign the letter, which apparently came without warning or discussion.

It is understood that following the intervention of Chief Minister Howard Quayle, Mrs Beecroft and Mr Couch have agreed to put their differences aside.

Mrs Beecroft declined to say anything more about the situation. She told iomtoday: ’I don’t have anything to add to the statement issued by the Cabinet Office.

’Mr Callister’s departure was of his own volition and for personal reasons, which he has made clear is all he is willing to say on the subject and we have to respect that.

’I appreciate this has caused some speculation, but as far as I am concerned a line has been drawn under the matter.

’As Minister I am focussing on the important job of working with my fellow members and the officers within the department to lead and support the improvement of health and social care services for the people of the Isle of Man.’

Mr Quayle similarly didn’t want to comment about the situation, saying only: ’It was disappointing that Mr Callister felt is necessary to leave. I have to respect his decision.’

Mr Callister, too, said he did not want to comment further.