Cannan: 'This government has dealt with the most challenging circumstances in recent times'

Chief minister reflects on his five years in post, and the 'churn' in the Council of Ministers

The chief minister believes his government has dealt with some of the most challenging circumstances in recent times during this administration.

Alfred Cannan has been looking back on his five years in charge ahead of the dissolution of the House of Keys later this week.

The end of the Covid pandemic, the impact of global conflicts on fuel prices and the rising cost of living have all presented challenges during this term.

He also says he's taken no pleasure from the 'ministerial churn' his government has experienced over the last five years.

The Council of Ministers lineup has changed frequently throughout Mr Cannan's time in charge, with 15 of the 24 MHKs serving as a minister during this administration.

Only the home affairs minister and environment, food and agriculture minister remain in the roles they were appointed to in October 2021.

He's been speaking to Manx Radio's Political Correspondent Phil Gawne:

The Council of Ministers timeline:

October 2021:

Alfred Cannan appoints his first Council of Ministers

May 2022:

David Ashford resigns as treasury minister in the aftermath of the Dr Ranson tribunal.

As a result, Alex Allinson moves from enterprise to treasury, and Mr Cannan takes over as enterprise minister on an interim basis.

June 2022:

Tim Crookall moves from infrastructure to enterprise, with Chris Thomas replacing him at infrastructure.

July 2022:

Mr Crookall resigns from the enterprise department, leading to another interim stint for Mr Cannan.

September 2022:

Lawrie Hooper moves to enterprise, with Rob Callister taking over from him in health and social care.

November 2022:

Mr Callister is fired from the health minister role, resulting in Mr Hooper returning to the department while continuing as enterprise minister.

February 2023:

Tim Johnston joins CoMin as the new enterprise minister, with Mr Hooper now focussing solely on health and social care.

July 2023:

Chris Thomas is fired from infrastructure, with Mr Cannan coming in on an interim basis throughout the summer recess.

September 2023:

Mr Crookall returns for his second spell as infrastructure minister.

February 2024:

Julie Edge is fired from the education department, with Daphne Caine coming in in her place.

October 2024:

Mr Hooper resigns as health minister midway through October's Tynwald sitting, leading to Mr Cannan taking over as interim minister.

November 2024:

Kate Lord-Brennan resigns as cabinet office minister, with Mr Ashford taking on the role. 

Claire Christian joins CoMin as health minister, while Michelle Haywood takes over at infrastructure, as Mr Crookall moves to the newly-created minister without portfolio position.

September 2025:

Mr Crookall resigns as minister without portfolio. The position has not been filled since.

January 2026:

Dr Allinson and Dr Haywood are asked to step down from treasury and infrastructure respectively. 

Mr Thomas returns to CoMin as treasury minister, and Mr Crookall takes on the infrastructure portfolio for the third time.