Chris Thomas elected Chief Minister

He won the vote 16-6 in Keys

Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas has been selected to be the Island's new Chief Minister. 

Mr Thomas defeated Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Kirrie Jenkins in a vote in the House of Keys. 

He replaces Alfred Cannan who has served as chief minister since 2021. 

Mr Thomas received 16 votes, with Mrs Jenkins receiving six. 

In a confirmatory vote, Mr Thomas received 22 votes, with two members voting against, Mrs Jenkins and Ayre & Michael MHK Stephen Broad. 

In his closing statement to members before they voted, Mr Thomas said: "The island voted for change, can make that change happen from day one.

"I know what needs changing, not because I defend the system, but because I've challenged it. I know how to change it, as evidenced in my track record.

"The people in and outside government and Tynwald and beyond required to make change happen know me and very importantly they know my track record and have come to trust me. Trust is key in our system of independent MHKs. It isn't optional."

Mr Thomas will shortly attend Government House, where he will be formally appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.

He is expected to announce his Council of Ministers in the coming days.