A government Minister’s wedding held at Government House came at no cost to the taxpayer.

Details of the arrangement were given by the Cabinet Office in response to a Freedom of Information request from a member of the public.

They asked whether special conditions applied to MHKs and their families, given that the general public are not allowed access to the gardens for private events.

In its response, the Cabinet Office said that the Lieutenant Governor made a personal offer to Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey and his bride to hold their wedding in the garden of Government House on September 15, 2018.

’This was a personal offer made by the Lieutenant Governor on the basis of no cost to the Manx taxpayer,’ said the Cabinet Office.

’Apart from some initial (and minimal) administration to advise what would be necessary for the event to run smoothly, no government resources were used.’

It confirmed Government House and its gardens are not available for hire. But it said inquiries from non-government organisations, charities or businesses asking the Lieutenant Governor and his wife to host events are regularly considered.

The Governor may make personal offers if no costs will fall to Manx taxpayers.