Chief Minister Chris Thomas says his preference for the Manx-language title Ard-Shirveishagh reflects both his pride in the island’s identity and his belief that the role should be one of ‘first among equals’.

Mr Thomas has attracted attention since taking office for using the Manx title to describe his position, rather than the traditional English term Chief Minister.

He says the decision is particularly fitting during the Year of the Manx Language, reflecting his support for the island’s culture, traditions and heritage.

But there is also a political philosophy behind his choice of words.

Mr Thomas believes the Chief Minister should not be seen as a chief executive with all the answers, but as someone who brings colleagues together to agree on a shared direction for government.

‘I’m first among equals. Good government. It’s not one person pretending to have all the answers,’ he said.

He argues that the role is primarily about chairing meetings, setting agendas and helping ministers establish collective priorities, rather than imposing decisions from the top.

The approach reflects how he wants his new administration to operate over the next five years, with responsibility shared across the Council of Ministers.

Mr Thomas also confirmed that Infrastructure Minister Jane Poole-Wilson has been formally delegated to act as Chief Minister when he is unavailable.

However, whether she will publicly be given the title of Deputy Chief Minister remains under consideration.

If neither Mr Thomas nor Mrs Poole-Wilson is available, Health Minister Claire Christian can step into the role.

Mr Thomas became Chief Minister in October after securing the support of 16 MHKs, despite having originally campaigned to become Treasury Minister at September’s general election.

His unexpected route into the island’s top political job has led some to describe him as the ‘accidental Chief Minister’, a label he appears comfortable with.