A former UK parliamentary ombudsman has become the island’s first Tynwald commissioner of administration.

Malachy Cornwell-Kelly, who was also once the clerk of Tynwald, was appointed into the role that will bring a further degree of challenge and scrutiny to the work of the Isle of Man government.

He will provide an independent oversight of the administrative processes and decisions, as well as investigating complaints made against government departments, if certain conditions are met.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas MHK said: ’This is an important new role that will help to improve the delivery of public services.

’The commissioner will have the power to investigate complaints made by members of the public against government departments.

’The role will be reviewed after the first year and consideration given to extending its scope to include statutory boards and other public bodies.

’This type of step-by-step roll-out has proved successful for other initiatives, such as Freedom of Information and Discrimination legislation.’

As a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, Mr Cornwell-Kelly will bring a wealth of experience to the role having worked as the director of investigations for the UK Parliamentary commissioner for administration.

Mr Cornwell-Kelly has also a broad knowledge of the island’s parliamentary system and laws after serving as the clerk of Tynwald and then secretary of the House of Keys for seven years between 2001 to 2008.

His appointment as the Tynwald commissioner of administration will initially be for one year.

A review of his performance as the ombudsman will follow after.