Next island leader must stay focused, advises ex-chief

The next leader of the Isle of Man government should "stay focused" and "communicate", according to advice from a former chief minister.

Members of the House of Keys (MHKs) will vote in the lower house on Tuesday for their preferred choice for the leadership role, either Kirrie Jenkins or Chris Thomas.

Allan Bell was the island's chief minister from 2011 until 2016, when he stood down from a 40-year career in politics. To the next incumbent, he said: "Listen to everybody, stay focused on your key ambitions" and "make absolutely sure you communicate both internally and externally".

Voters in 12 constituencies went to the polls on 24 September to elect 24 MHKs in the island's general election.

During his administration, Bell said "the very simple mantra" was "grow the economy, balance the budget, and protect the vulnerable".

The new government "has got to maintain that approach," he added.

Fifteen of the 24 MHKs are first-time politicians, and the two candidates in the running for the top job represent the two ends of the spectrum.

Thomas has been an MHK for more than a decade, while Jenkins is new to the House of Keys.

Bell, who served in politics for decades, including nine years as treasury minister before becoming chief minister in 2011, said his administration had benefited from experienced colleagues and civil servants who could provide support during challenging times.

But he said this year, unlike previous years, there were "fewer experienced politicians coming in" and "fewer long-serving civil servants who can guide us over the next few years".

"I think that's quite a worry," he said.

He urged the 15 new MHKs to work together rather than compete with one another, saying better communication was needed.

"One absolute failing of the last government was poor communication and communication in a small place like the Isle of Man is absolutely vital."

"We've got to rebuild those communication networks with the media and with everybody on the island," he continued.

Bell said a key factor for this administration would be wider socio-political events, pointing to "two very serious" wars and political instability between world superpowers.

"This is a time where the new government, the new chief minister coming in, have to be absolutely focused on what's happening around us, as well as what's happening just at the grassroots level," he warned.

"Otherwise, we are going to have a real problem further down the road."

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