Chief Minister Howard Quayle has revealed he has someone lined up to replace Daphne Caine MHK as children’s champion.

Mrs Caine (Garff) quit last month after her remit was slashed. She told Mr Quayle she would ’rather be an untrammelled backbencher than a constrained champion’.

In Tynwald last week, Mr Quayle said the position remained important.

But he added: ’I also think it is important to note that the scope is important.

’The main functions of the children’s champion - which was originally identified, let us not forget, in the report by the Commission of Inquiry into the Care of Young People - are to provide a voice for looked-after and vulnerable children.

’I want those young people to have a say in the appointment, which is why I have asked our prospective candidate to speak with the Voices in Participation Council and I will be seeking their views before making a final decision.’

The issue was raised by former minister Kate Beecroft (LibVannin, Douglas South). Mr Quayle said details of the revised terms and conditions would be in her email inbox and also published online.

When she resigned, Mrs Caine said the changes to the terms would limit her role to covering looked-after and vulnerable children, rather than representing the needs of all children, as she had done for 18 months.