Ombudsman appointed to provide oversight

Malachy Cornwell-Kelly first Tywald Commissioner for Administration

A former UK parliamentary ombudsman and Clerk of Tynwald has been appointed as the Island’s first Tynwald Commissioner for Administration.

Malachy Cornwell-Kelly will provide independent oversight of administrative processes and decisions, as well as investigating complaints against government departments if certain conditions are met.

A solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, Mr Cornwell-Kelly has served as Director of Investigations for the UK Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

He also has extensive knowledge of the Island’s parliamentary system and laws after seven years as the Clerk of Tynwald and Secretary of the House of Keys (2001 to 2008).

Mr Cornwell-Kelly’s appointment as the Tynwald ombudsman will initially be for one year, after which time a review will be carried out.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas MHK says it's not a firm fixture yet: