Cannan: 'If I have to continue as DHSC minister for months so be it'

Chief minister insists he won't be rushing a decision on new political oversight

The chief minister says he could continue as interim health minister for the next two to three months in order to bring proper oversight to the health service.

Alfred Cannan took charge of the Department of Health and Social Care on a temporary basis following the resignation of then-minister Lawrie Hooper and political member Joney Faragher almost six weeks ago.

David Ashford and Chris Thomas initially joined the department as political members but Mr Thomas was fired just over a fortnight later.

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse has claimed having no minister in place is a 'distraction'.

Mr Cannan has confirmed he intends to strengthen the DHSC's political team imminently but insists he won't be rushing a decision on the ministerial position: