Chris Thomas appointed Treasury Minister 

Alex Allinson stepped down following a cabinet reshuffle this morning

The Isle of Man has a new treasury minister.

Alfred Cannan has appointed Chris Thomas MHK to the role. 

Alex Allinson stepped down following a cabinet reshuffle this morning (19 January).

The Chief Minister has thanked him for his input. 

Commenting on his appointment, the Douglas Central MHK says: "I am delighted to accept this opportunity. 

"My immediate focus will be to address concerns surrounding the introduction of the minimum wage by taking a slower approach to the increase being proposed, and to work with officers to ensure there is a substantial rise in personal allowances at the budget."

Reacting to the news, Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper says all members received an email this morning about the reshuffle but adds he cannot imagine a good reason why Alfred Cannan would look to replace Dr Alex Allinson weeks before the budget. 

The Liberal Vannin Party leader says Mr Thomas wouldn't have been his first choice: