Allan Bell elected as Chief Minister

Allan Bell has been elected as the Isle of Man’s next Chief Minister following a process fraught with controversy and tension.

This came in the nomination stages when Liberal Vannin members Kate Beecroft and Zack Hall were told on numerous occasions to stop digressing and stick to endorsing candidate Peter Karran.

This led to the Onchan MHK at one point withdrawing himself from the race, however he subsequently reversed this decision.

Earlier in the proceedings Beecroft asked if the ballot could do away with the secrecy element so the house would know who had voted for whom. 

This motion was not carried.

In the end Peter Karran received 3 votes, Bell got a landslide of 27, with 2 papers spoilt.

Speaking about the tough times ahead the new Chief Minister said ‘in adversity comes opportunity, in unity comes strength’ – he thanked his fellow members and the people of Ramsey for having faith in him to steer the Island in the right direction.