The Liberal Vannin Party’s new leader is promising to hold the government to its promises.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper took the top position in the party after a unanimous vote in its annual general meeting last week.

He is the only party member currently in the Keys after his predecessor, Kate Costain, resigned from her position as MHK for Douglas South.

Mr Hooper said: ’Kate will be a hard act to follow but I’m grateful to be given this opportunity and want to thank Kate for her service.

’With just under a year left in this term of office the party will continue to focus on holding government to its promises and make sure they don’t take their foot off the pedal.

’Now, perhaps more than ever, we need a government of action, a government that really delivers for the Isle of Man.’

The party was founded in 2006 by former Onchan MHK Peter Karran, who left frontline politics in 2016.

A number of MHKs have been elected on the Liberal Vannin ticket but left the party while in office. They include Julie Edge, currently an Onchan MHK and Bill Malarkey, who represented Douglas South. Zac Hall, an MHK for Onchan from 2011 to 2016, was expelled.

Ms Costain said: ’Serving as leader of the LibVan Party has been a privilege, being a part of this party strengthened my ability to support and represent my constituents.

’I am proud of what I achieved during my time in office and I know that Lawrie is very well placed to carry on fighting for the people of the island.’

Party chairman Michael Josem, who is running in the Douglas South by-election, said: ’Lawrie Hooper is the best person to lead Liberal Vannin into the next election, and I am sure he will do an outstanding job.

’He has an unwavering commitment to the people of the Isle of Man, and I am hoping to join and support him in Tynwald to be a strong voice for the people of Mann.’

Ms Costain will continue to serve on the party’s executive committee.