Chief minister's comments about former health minister 'unacceptable' says committee

Ramsey MHK asked for investigation after being accused of gaslighting Council of Ministers

The chief minister will be asked to withdraw comments made about the former health minister in Tynwald last year.

An investigation by the Tynwald Standards and Members' Interests Committee found Alfred Cannan's comments following Lawrie Hooper's resignation were unacceptable.

In October's sitting of Tynwald, Lawrie Hooper resigned from his role as health minister, citing concerns over the Council of Ministers' approach to healthcare provision on the Island.

Later in the sitting, Mr Cannan accused the Ramsey MHK of gaslighting the Council, and making 'double edged tweets'.

He also described Mr Hooper's comments about privatisation in the health service as a fabrication, a falsehood and a slur on CoMin.

Following Mr Cannan's comments, Mr Hooper wrote to the standards committee to say he was "extremely concerned about the behaviour on display", and labelled the chief minister's comments "an entirely unwarranted assault on my character".

Having investigated Mr Cannan's comments, the committee found the manner in which he responded to Mr Hooper's resignation statement was unacceptable.

It adds that is it not acceptable parliamentary practice for one member to characterise what another has said as a fabrication, falsehood or gaslighting.

The committee recommends Mr Cannan withdraws his remarks and is also calling for training for all members in the principles of parliamentary language and debate.

The committee's findings will be discussed at May's sitting of Tynwald. You can read the committee's full report HERE.

Manx Radio has invited Mr Cannan to respond.