Walter Wannenburgh KC, Attorney General for the Isle of Man, has announced his intention to retire towards the end of this year.

His departure will conclude a legal career spanning several decades, including more than ten years in Crown appointments after he was first appointed Solicitor General in 2015 before becoming Attorney General in 2022.

Talking about bis career, Mr Wannenburgh said: ‘I was honoured to have been appointed as Her Majesty’s Solicitor General in July 2015 and to have succeeded John Quinn QC as Attorney General in 2022.

‘I am enormously grateful to have been given that opportunity, but after nearly 11 years serving as a Crown officer I feel that the time is right for renewal, and with the General Election looming it seems an appropriate opportunity to hand the baton to another.

‘It has been the privilege of my professional life to have served as a Crown officer, but of course I could not have done so without the support of many others, particularly my colleagues in Chambers to whom I am indebted.’

The Attorney General serves as the principal legal adviser to the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, the Council of Ministers, and government departments.

The role includes providing guidance on legal matters affecting both domestic policy and the island’s external interests.

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said: ‘I would like to convey my sincere thanks to the Attorney General for his dedicated service as HM Solicitor General and HM Attorney General.

‘Throughout his tenure in these positions, the Council of Ministers has greatly valued his support, together with the frank and considered advice he has provided on a wide range of matters of importance to the Isle of Man.’

A recruitment process to appoint a successor is expected to take place both on and off the island during April and May.