The new chairman at Port St Mary Commissioners is Michelle Haywod.

Dr Haywood was elected at the authority’s annual general meeting on Wednesday.

The vice chairman is Alan Grace, who was chairman until last month when he stood down after there was a motion of no confidence in him.

’I’m honoured to have the confidence and backing of the board,’ Dr Haywood said. ’I’m looking forward to moving forward in a positive way.’

Thirty members of the public attended the meeting, which was followed by a standard public board meeting.

The public could not comment at this meeting, but they will be able to in the future as the authority is introducing public sessions half an hour before board meetings.

’We are ahead of the game,’ Dr Haywood said. ’It’s about increasing engagement.’

Amalgamation with another authority was raised after a resident wrote there should be full consultation with the public first.

Dr Haywood said it was not under consideration. ’There’s nothing on the table. We work closely with Port Erin already when it is sensible and will continue to do so.’

She added: ’It’s like the Brexit question. We do not know what’s involved. In five years’ time, central government might say we want to deal with four boards. I would still like an officer who is competent and staff dealing with local issues. I have an open mind about it. I’m not against it by any stretch of the imagination.’

Regarding Manxonia House, a disused building on the high street bought by the authority, they decided to ask an estate agent to value the property.

The authority also decided to reduce the board from nine to five members after a motion to do so was proposed by Andy Phair.

Dr Haywood, 48, who has been a commissioner for two years, has lived in the island since 2005. She runs Discover Diving with her husband Steve Cowley and they have three children.