MHK fears former MHK's meat plant role creates 'transparency issue'

DEFA minister faces questions about direct appointment of former Middle representative

An MHK says the direct appointment of a former MHK to the board of the Island's meat plant creates a 'transparency issue'.

Onchan member Julie Edge raised the recruitment of Bill Shimmins, who represented the constituency of Middle between 2016 and 2021, at this week's sitting of the House of Keys.

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Claire Barber confirmed Mr Shimmins was appointed without facing an open recruitment process until April, when a competitive recruitment exercise for a new board is due to take place.

But Ms Edge questioned how the decision would be perceived by the public: