Third commissioner resigns after 'Commissioner X' refuses to go 

Chair of Patrick Commissioners vacates seat

The chair of Patrick Commissioners has become the latest local authority member to resign after it was found one of the board acted ‘ultra vires’.

Geoffrey Gelling's departure follows that of John Snelling and Richard Jones - all three have now vacated their positions following the publication of a report from the Tynwald Commissioner for Administration.

That report saw Angela Main-Thompson deem Patrick Commissioners’ handling of a complaint, about work carried out to a road in the parish, as maladministration.

She also found that ‘Commissioner X’ – whose identity has been kept anonymous – carried out the work on his own terms.

At a meeting last night the individual ‘repeatedly refused’ to resign from the board leading Mr Gelling, Mr Snelling and Mr Jones to state they are ‘unwilling to continue’ in their posts.

In a statement released today (14 November) the three men say there remains a possibility that 'Commissioner X' could continue to act in such a matter that undermines the ‘democratic and representative nature’ of the board.

The trio adds it believes the report contained ‘many inaccuracies, inappropriate remarks to which Patrick Commissioners were not permitted to respond’ saying if there was a 'legitimate process' for investigating actions, or behaviour, of elected members it would be different and they would continue to wish to serve.

You can find out more HERE.