Manx Labour Party rebukes chief's 'shrill voices of socialism' comment

A week on from one war of words, there's been a further squabble in the Island's parliament

The Manx Labour Party has hit back at the chief minister after he appeared to attribute his administration’s unpopularity to 'left-wing members' and 'the shrill voices of socialism'.

The remarks came from Alfred Cannan whilst he was responding to politicians' questions following his urgent statement in Tynwald yesterday (19 January).

The statement was addressing the latest cabinet reshuffle, which this week saw Mr Cannan's infrastructure and treasury ministers ousted and replaced.

In his response to a question from Onchan MHK Julie Edge, the chief minister levelled criticism at those he accused of voting 'in the name of ideology':

During the exchange, he specifically named Douglas South member and Chair of the Manx Labour Party Sarah Maltby, due to her reaction to his remarks.

In a statement, the Manx Labour Party said it was initially 'genuinely encouraged to hear the chief minister speak about putting money in people’s pockets, using the levers available within Treasury, and people-orientated policies'.

But, the party adds, that 'sense of optimism was undermined' when he went on to 'cast political blame'.

Our Political Correspondent Phil Gawne caught up with Mrs Maltby and Manx Labour Party Leader Joney Faragher to get their take on the exchange:

You can find the MLP statement in full below: