Ayre and Michael MHK Tim Baker has been appointed as children’s champion.

He succeeds Garff MHK Daphne Caine in the role that provides a voice to vulnerable and looked-after young people.

Mr Baker said: ’I am aware of the great responsibility that comes with this role and I will do my best to listen to and represent the interests of children in care, young carers and children with complex needs.

’I am very pleased to be taking on this additional and important position and look forward to playing my part in improving the lives of vulnerable young people and working to support their needs and aspirations as part of a caring and inclusive society.’

Chief Minister Howard Quayle said: ’This is an important role and I am delighted that Mr Baker has accepted the challenge.

’I wanted our young people to have a say in the appointment of the next children’s champion.

’I asked Mr Baker to speak to members of the Voices in Participation Council (VIP) and sought their views before confirming the appointment.’

The Chief Minister’s decision to involve young people in the process of appointing the children’s champion has not been done historically.

’I am delighted that the meeting went very well,’ he added.

A review of the position’s remit was carried out by the Cabinet Office, with the focus now on supporting young people who may have no other form of representation.

The position was originally identified in the report by the Commission of Inquiry into the Care of Young People.

Mrs Caine, who was appointed children’s champion after the 2016 general election, quit the role in May saying the revised role will be ’totally ineffectual’ as some young people who are looking for support would fall outside the criteria.

Voice

But the Chief Minister said the changes had been made to solely focus on young people who are least likely to have their voices heard.

He said: ’The reason why this job, this position, was set up in the first place was as a result of the terrible tragedy of two young looked-after people being murdered at Leece Lodge in the Isle of Man a number of years ago now.

’There was an inquiry into that and it was recommended that a person be appointed as the children’s champion to look after looked after young people, to be their voice and to look after their concerns so a politician could ask questions and hold departments to account.

’If we then widen it to every scenario that’s then not focusing on the vulnerable young people and looked-after children that the position was set up for.

’It’s a case of if you’re fighting too many fronts you get beaten and it’s important that whoever does the job is looking after the people that their position was set up for in the first place.

All children are important but if you haven’t got a mum or dad or you’re classed as vulnerable then you need a children’s champion.’