Council of Musical Chairs: What do we know?

Almost three dozen ministerial changes have taken place in the Cannan administration

The Alfred Cannan administration, which began in October 2021, has been marked by a significant number of ministerial changes - arguably more than any previous Manx government in such a short span.

Today, the chief minister has continued that theme by putting his administration through even more changes, with another major reshuffle of his Council of Ministers.

In a series of moves that have surprised many, Alfred Cannan has replaced his treasury minister just weeks before the annual Budget, while the Department of Infrastructure sees the return of a familiar face to its helm.

Dismissal or departure?

While the official government narrative has framed these changes as 'redefining' the executive, a letter shared with Manx Radio suggests a more fractious reality behind closed doors.

The letter confirms that both Dr Alex Allinson and Dr Michelle Haywood were sacked from their positions.

The chief minister points to an "ingrained divergence" on economic policy and a perceived loss of confidence from the business community as the primary drivers for the dismissal, which can largely be attributed to the controversy surrounding proposals to increase minimum wage by nearly 10 percent.

Dr Michelle Haywood also leaves her post at the Department of Infrastructure due to "policy matters which have caused considerable friction between the government, Tynwald and elements of society."

In recent months, Dr Haywood has been the political face of the rollout of 20mph zones across the Island - a highly divisive pillar of the government’s ‘Active Travel’ strategy.

Despite facing significant public backlash and even personal threats over the scheme, she remained a staunch defender of the policy, never attempting to distance herself from it even as criticism intensified.

The return of Thomas and Crookall

To fill the resulting vacancies, the chief minister has turned to two experienced, albeit occasionally independent figures.

Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas has been appointed treasury minister. Mr Thomas is a former infrastructure minister as well as a former minister for policy and reform. He takes the lead on the Island’s finances at a critical juncture.

He is now tasked with delivering a Budget in just four weeks that must address growing concerns over the cost-of-living and the pace of minimum wage increases.

Glenfaba and Peel MHK Tim Crookall returns to the Department of Infrastructure, marking his third appointment to this specific position since 2021, and his fifth ministerial position within this single administration.

Having previously served as enterprise minister, and minister without portfolio - resigning from both citing an inability to support government direction - his return marks a remarkable political comeback.

Mr Crookall’s reappointment is particularly noteworthy given his exit from CoMin in late 2025, just before the government suffered two significant defeats in Tynwald regarding the North and West Area Plan.

Stability or instability?

The frequency of ministerial changes since October 2021 has become a defining characteristic of the Cannan administration.

The chief minister began his five-year term promising to deliver a "secure, vibrant and sustainable future" with a team he believed could deliver on his “long-term vision for the people of the Isle of Man”.

In total, there have been 29 ministerial changes, including resignations, dismissals, interim appointments, and reshuffles - some lasting longer than others.

Famously, Onchan MHK Rob Callister was health and social care minister for only seven weeks before he was sacked.

Of the original CoMin appointed in 2021, only Jane Poole-Wilson (Justice and Home Affairs) and Clare Barber (Environment, Food and Agriculture) remain in their inaugural portfolios.

The road ahead

The removal of a treasury minister so close to Budget Day is highly unusual in modern Manx politics. However, questions remain over whether this latest round of minister changes will deliver the stability the chief minister says he wants to achieve.

With the Budget looming and a freshly reshuffled Council of Ministers, the chief minister is relying on this new ministerial line-up to deliver stability for the remainder of his term.

For the outgoing ministers, it is perhaps unfortunate timing - losing your job on Blue Monday, a day that scarcely needed the extra help.

Public reaction

Manx Radio's Chanelle Sukhoo has spoken to these residents in Douglas following the news: