No plans to replace MLCs who are ministers

Education Minister doing good job says Chief Minister

Changing a government minister at this stage of the administration would disrupt continuity, the House of Keys has been told today (Tuesday).

Chief Minister Allan Bell told the court he had no plans to replace Tim Crookall as Minister of Education and Children nine months before the General Election.

Mr Crookall was elevated to the Legislative Council last summer and it is the Chief Minister's preference for all his ministers to be MHKs.

However, answering a question from South Douglas member Kate Beecroft, Mr Bell said there was no need to disrupt the department so close to an election while Mr Crookall was 'doing a good job'.

He added Mr Crookall could argue his election as Peel MHK in September 2011 gave him a public mandate for five years.