Attorney general takes claim to court

Stephen Harding v LG Adam Wood

The Island's top legal official Attorney General Stephen Harding has begun High Court proceedings against the lieutenant governor.

Mr Harding is suing Adam Wood over disciplinary proceedings which have not been resolved three years after he was suspended from office, and which he claims are unlawful.

The position of attorney general is a Crown appointment which technically means Mr Harding's contract of employment is with the governor. 

However today (26 Oct) that position was questioned by counsel for the defendant Charles Davis.

He cast doubt on whether the lieutenant governor is subject to the Manx courts' jurisdiction, and whether a contract exists at all.

Mr Davis suggested that as the governor is appointed by royal warrant, Mr Harding's contract may ultimately be with the Queen. 

Mr Harding was suspended after being charged with perjury and committing acts against public justice in a high-profile case.

He was cleared last February after two trials failed to reach verdicts.

The court went on to hear from claimant Stephen Harding's counsel, Robert Long. He argued his client's terms and conditions had been breached by the lieutenant governor, who it is alleged, has acted outside the powers of his office.

Deemster Rosen has reserved judgement on the key issue of whether disciplinary proceedings against Stephen Harding should go ahead.