Rob Callister appointed Minister for Housing and Communities 

Government announces creation of new position

Onchan MHK Rob Callister has been appointed as the new Minister for Housing and Communities.

It's a new position in the Council of Ministers created by Ard-Shirveishagh Chris Thomas.

The creation of the new ministerial role had been suggested by Mr Thomas following the appointing of his cabinet, which saw him take on the responsibility of Minister for the Cabinet Office.

Announcing the appointment this afternoon, Mr Thomas says: “When I stood to be Ard-Shirveishagh, I set out in my manifesto a clear commitment to fix housing.

"That is why I have appointed a minister with responsibility for this policy area.”

“There is action we can take, but there is a significant amount of work ahead, and I am grateful to Mr Callister for taking on this critical area of responsibility.

"In the coming days, we will meet to agree clear objectives and priorities for the work ahead.”

The Isle of Man Government says the new minister will, amongst other things, 'lead development of a prioritised action plan for meeting housing need, including the existing approved Tynwald commitment to build, provide or facilitate up to 1,000 affordable homes over ten years from April 2025'.

It adds that evidence of housing need should inform funding, site availability and construction capacity.

On his new appointment, Minister Callister says: "Housing is one of the biggest challenges facing the Isle of Man, and I am delighted to take on the role of Minister for Housing and Communities.

"Having a safe, secure and affordable home matters to every individual and family, but housing is also fundamental to the Island’s future prosperity.
 
"I am pleased to join the Council of Ministers and look forward to working with colleagues, local authorities and the wider community to turn ambition into action, increase the delivery of the homes our Island needs and make a real difference to people’s lives over the next five years."

It's not the first time Mr Callister - who successfully defended his Onchan seat in last month's General Election - has been granted a ministerial role.

In 2022 he held the role of Minister for Health and Social Care for just under two months before being sacked; he later apologised for 'inappropriate conduct' during his time in the role.

The Onchan MHK also held the role of Chair of the Planning Committee between 2023 and 2026.