Re-elected MHK Jason Moorhouse has warned against a divide between the Isle of Man’s ‘new’ and ‘old’ politicians as the House of Keys prepares to question the two candidates for Chief Minister.

The Arbory, Castletown and Malew member said the island needed a ‘unified body’ as newly elected MHKs prepare to hear from Treasury Minister Chris Thomas and newcomer Kirrie Jenkins at a hustings tomorrow afternoon.

The pair submitted their nomination papers before Tuesday’s noon deadline and will face questions from fellow MHKs in the Legislative Council Chamber ahead of next Tuesday’s vote.

A candidate needs the support of 13 of the 24 MHKs to become Chief Minister.

Isle of Man Today understands neither candidate currently has enough support to secure the position, with speculation suggesting both could have around nine votes each.

If a third round of voting is required, a new member could come forward for the top role.

Mr Moorhouse, a veteran backbencher and former teacher who was re-elected behind Ms Jenkins last month with 1,481 votes, said he wanted greater clarity on the candidates before deciding who to support.

Tynwald insiders told Isle of Man Today Mr Moorhouse considered putting his own name forward and had contacted some members.

However, he said on Wednesday morning: ‘I didn’t send any emails related to the Chief Minister’s role yesterday.

‘In the short term, my energies will be spent on assessing the suitability of the two candidates.’

Kirrie Jenkins and Jason Moorhouse, elected members for Arbory, Castletown and Malew
Kirrie Jenkins and Jason Moorhouse, elected members for Arbory, Castletown and Malew (Media Isle of Man)

He also told Isle of Man Today: ‘I am in a unique position. During the last five years, I have repeatedly challenged and raised concerns about the previous Government decisions and worked hard to get improvements in areas such as access to housing, by using a number of Motions and other mechanisms.

‘The changes, which I repeatedly demanded are now being called for by the wider public and probably all the new MHKs.’

He said he wanted to assess both candidates’ ‘suitability’, records and ability to deliver change ‘in a far more collegiate way’.

‘We don’t want new faces behaving in the same way,’ he said.

‘I am concerned about the divide which has been created by the ‘new’ and ‘old’ divide. We need to be a unified body.’

Mr Moorhouse said politicians faced major challenges, including Government overspending, limited reserves and connectivity issues.

‘We must make the decision with great care and attention to detail,’ he said.