Renewed call for Health Minister to stand down

The Health Minister David Anderson is facing renewed calls to stand down over his handling of problems at Noble’s Hospital.

In July, nine MHKs, including several members of government, signed a letter to the Chief Minister saying they no longer had confidence in Mr Anderson.

Manx Radio understands a formal motion of no confidence in the Minister is now to be tabled in Tynwald next month.

The nine MHKs say they’ve lost confidence in not only the Minister but his chief executive David Killip.

The letter calls on Mr Bell to take the necessary steps to restore confidence in the leadership of the health service.

There’s been growing disquiet over Mr Anderson’s response to the emerging problems at Noble’s Hospital which Mr Bell himself as described as ‘serious’ and has emerged after concerns expressed by patients and consultants.

It’s understood the motion will be in the name of Rushen MHK Laurence Skelly but when Manx Radio contacted him, he would neither confirm nor deny this was the case.

Motions for October Tynwald have to be submitted by 5pm today (Monday).

After its summer recess, the court sits in a fortnight’s time - giving Mr Anderson and his detractors time to garner support.

In July, South Douglas member Kate Beecroft called on Mr Anderson to step down.

However, the motion was never put to the court as she did not have enough political colleagues to support her bid.