Tim Crookall resigns from Council of Ministers

Enterprise minister steps down 'with a heavy heart'

Enterprise Minister Tim Crookall has stepped down from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect.

It comes just one month after his move from the infrastructure department, following a cabinet reshuffle.

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan has assumed the role of enterprise minister on a temporary basis.

In a statement this morning, Mr Crookall said: 'It is with a heavy heart that I have made the decision to step down from the Council of Ministers, and therefore my role as Minister for Enterprise. 
 
'I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the Department of Infrastructure and then the Department for Enterprise. I am proud of the work we have done together in developing the Island Plan and more recently the Economic Strategy.  Sadly however I have reached the conclusion that I cannot continue to play an effective part in this Council of Ministers team.
 
'I look forward to continuing to dedicate myself to representing my constituents.'

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan says he is 'very sad' to see Mr Crookall leave CoMin.

He said: 'His depth and breadth of political experience has been invaluable and I have appreciated his candour and assistance in shaping both the Island Plan and the Economic Strategy.

'I thank him for his work in both the Infrastructure and Enterprise departments.  I have assumed the role of Enterprise Minister for the time being.'