New speaker of the House of Keys elected

Douglas North MHK David Ashford has been elected as the new Speaker of the House of Keys.

Mr Ashford, who was re-elected in Thursday’s General Election for his third term in the Keys, was nominated by Onchan MHK Rob Callister.

The nomination was then seconded by Middle MHK Jane Poole-Wilson, and with no further nominations, Mr Ashford was formally elected.

‘I’ve always found Mr Ashford to be thoughtful and respectful,’ Mr Callister said during his nomination.

‘Over the past decade, he has provided a deep understanding of the workings of the House of Keys and the other place through his service in government and a wide range of parliamentary committees.

‘I believe he has that experience, judgement and temperament needed for this role.’

Mr Ashford then thanked his fellow MHKs for electing him to the role of speaker. ‘My role is for everyone’s voices to be heard,’ he said.

‘If at some point everyone is equally dissatisfied with me, I may take that as a modest indication that I am getting the balance about right! Disagreement must not mean discourtesy and we must all work together.

‘In my experience, this house works at its best when we work together. The people of this island have put us here for one reason: for the betterment of this island.’

The Chief Minister Alfred Cannan is set to serve as interim Minister for the Cabinet Office following Mr Ashford’s election as speaker.

The Chief Minister said: ‘In line with the constitutional convention that the Speaker acts impartially and separately from the executive, Mr Ashford has tendered his resignation as Minister for the Cabinet Office, which I have accepted.

‘With a new administration forming in the coming weeks, I have taken the decision to serve as Minister for the Cabinet Office on an interim basis.

‘I offer my sincere congratulations to Mr Ashford on his election as speaker and thank him for the contribution he has made during his time as Minister for the Cabinet Office.’

Mr Ashford’s first role as speaker was to lead the next item on the House of Keys order paper - the election of a new deputy speaker.

Claire Christian nominated new Garff MHK Richard Henthorn, which was seconded by 18-year-old Glenfaba and Peel MHK Daniel Davison.

With no further nominations, Mr Henthorn was elected into the role.

‘Richard would bring to this role a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to public service, and a reputation for fairness, diligence, and attention to detail,’ Ms Christian said.

‘He currently serves as Chair of Garff Commissioners and has devoted more than a decade of service to local government.

‘Throughout that time, he has earned the respect of colleagues and residents alike through his unwavering commitment to representing his community and ensuring that decisions are taken carefully, transparently, and in the best interests of those he serves.’

Mr Henthorn said it was a ‘fabulous and great honour’ for him to be elected as deputy speaker.

‘Thank you very much for the trust and honour that you've shown me, and I will do my best to carry that on.’