Backbencher seeks to veto off-Island appointment to Manx Care Board

Tynwald votes to defer decision on new Non-Executive Director after questions raised over process and timing

Tynwald has voted to adjourn debate on the appointment of Margaret Pratt as a Non-Executive Member of Manx Care, following attempts by backbench members to block or delay the move.

The Department of Health and Social Care had sought parliamentary approval to appoint Ms Pratt, an experienced financial governance specialist who lives off-Island, for a term of between three and five years under the Manx Care Act 2021.

Onchan MHK Julie Edge tabled an amendment seeking to halt all further appointments to the Manx Care Board until the ongoing Management Internal Audit Agency review is completed.

Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson warned her proposal would amount to overruling existing law.

Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas argued the legislation was unclear and called for the debate to be postponed to allow members more time to take advice.

Health Minister Claire Christian supported the adjournment, confirming that deferring the motion would not breach the Act.

Members subsequently voted in favour of adjourning the matter until the November sitting.