Rob Callister appointed as Island's Health and Social Care Minister

MHK Rob Callister has been appointed as the Island's new Health and Social Care Minister.

He replaces Lawrie Hooper - who will now serve as the Minister for Enterprise. 

Tim Johnston MHK will take over from Mr Callister as the Chair of Manx Utilities, subject to Tynwald approval.

Mr Callister’s appointment follows the departure of Tim Crookall MHK as Minister for Enterprise in July.  

The Chief Minister Alfred Cannan has been serving as Enterprise Minister on an interim basis.

The Chief Minister said: “This Government has an ambitious agenda to deliver better health and social care services for our community.  We are making progress on this journey, but there is some distance still to go.  Rob will bring a fresh perspective to the Council of Ministers where he can draw on his experience from serving in a number of departments over the past six years, including the Department of Health and Social Care, and most recently from his time as Chair of Manx Utilities.

“As well as reforming health and social care, Government also has a significant journey over the next decade and beyond to implement a new economic strategy for the Island.  This is vital if we are to ensure continued prosperity for our people.  The Department for Enterprise has a key role to play in this as an engine to drive economic growth.  Lawrie spent five years as a Member of the Department and in appointing him as Minister we can draw on his wealth of experience and knowledge.

In other changes, David Ashford MHK has been appointed as Chair of the Planning Committee following the decision of Claire Christian MHK to step down from this position as well as her role as a Member of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.