Howard Quayle praises support of colleagues, friends and family
Howard Quayle says receiving recognition from members of the public has been 'a great reward' throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
The chief minister received a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for leading the Island through an 'exceptionally challenging period'.
He announced last month he will not be seeking re-election and will be stepping down from frontline politics in September.
Mr Quayle told Local Democracy Reporter Chris Cave, whilst he wasn't seeking recognition, he was grateful to accept the honour.
"I'm very lucky that I've had a very good team around me who have worked really hard for the people of the Island in the last five years", he said.
"I wasn't looking for recognition. I'm grateful to receive it, I hasten to add, but one of the nicer things and recognition I have had is total strangers around the Island stopping me and thanking government for all that they've done, especially in the last 16 or 17 months.
"That has been a great reward."
First elected as MHK for Middle in 2011, Mr Quayle was health and social care minister and chairman of the Manx Electricity Authority before taking the top job in Manx politics.
He rounded off by thanking his "fantastic wife and three children", as well as a "small group of close friends" for their support:
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