An MHK has explained why he deliberately voted for both candidates in Tuesday's Chief Minister election, resulting in his ballot being ruled invalid.
Jason Moorhouse said he was 'divided' between Chris Thomas and Kirrie Jenkins, believing both had the ability to move the Isle of Man forward.
Mr Moorhouse's ballot was ruled invalid, as was that of former Chief Minister Alfred Cannan.
In a statement, Mr Moorhouse said he hugely valued having a vote and always used it with great care.
He said: 'I arrived yesterday morning, knowing that both candidates for the Chief Minister's had the capacity to move things forward in a positive manner.'
Mr Moorhouse, who represents Arbory, Castletown and Malew, described Mrs Jenkins as his constituency colleague and said she had 'fought a hard campaign and offered a new way of doing things'.
He added that he had worked alongside Mr Thomas during the past decade, describing him as 'an intelligent man with a great work ethic and desire to get things done'.
Mr Moorhouse said Mrs Jenkins had spoken 'exceptionally well' during the hustings, but Mr Thomas had repeatedly demonstrated 'a level of knowledge' and 'the value of experience' when answering questions.
He said: 'I graded each answer and whilst Mr Thomas was clearly my favourite there, I was still divided.'
Mr Moorhouse said he had considered voting yes for both candidates, recognising that doing so would produce a null result.
He added: 'However, the “bottom line” is with Mr Thomas getting 16 votes and Mrs Jenkins six a vote for either would not have changed the final result.'
It comes as constituents have asked Mr Moorhouse for an explanation online.
Mr Thomas received votes from Rob Callister, Claire Christian, Damian Ciappelli, James Cochrane, Robert Cowell, Daniel Davison, Joney Faragher, Dr Rachel Glover, Mark Kemp, Sarah Maltby, Juan McGuinness, Jane Poole-Wilson, Andy Saunders, Peter Shimmin, Speaker David Ashford and Mr Thomas himself.
Mrs Jenkins received votes from Katrina Baptist, Stephen Broad, Michael Crowe, Richard Henthorn, Vicki Hewison and herself.
In the subsequent confirmation vote, all MHKs supported Mr Thomas except Mrs Jenkins and Mr Broad.
The focus now turns to the formation of the Council of Ministers, which comprises the Chief Minister and up to nine other ministers.
Mr Thomas has said he wants to appoint his team quickly as he begins work on his pledge for a 'smaller, smarter and smoother government'.
Isle of Man Today has approached former Chief Minister Alfred Cannan in regards to his spoilt vote.