Former Peel commissioner questions Baptist's claims in ongoing dispute

Alan Jones says board decisions require collective responsibility as differing views continue to emerge

A former Peel Town Commissioner has shared his perspective on the ongoing dispute within the local authority, offering contrasting views to concerns raised in recent days.

Alan Jones, who served as a commissioner for 17 years before standing down in 2025, wrote to Manx Radio, saying he was “surprised” by comments made by Katryna Baptist, suggesting they reflected dissatisfaction with board decisions rather than systemic governance issues.

A row between Ms Baptist and Peel Town Commissioners continues to make headlines, after she publicly raised concerns about governance, transparency and decision-making.

The board subsequently issued a response, rejecting Ms Baptist's comments.

Mr Jones says the role of a commissioner involves working collectively with others to deliver services for the community, and accepting majority decisions where agreement cannot be reached.

He also defended the role of the Town Clerk, saying that while clerks hold significant influence due to their knowledge of procedures, his own experience was that decisions made by the board were followed.

He adds that the clerk’s role is not to act on the direction of individual members.

Mr Jones further expresses surprise at comments made by former commissioner and MHK Hazel Hannan regarding local authorities, stating that, in his view, they play an important role in the Island’s democratic structure.

The Local Government (Amendment) Bill - designed to improve transparency relating to interests, minute taking and the publishing of minutes as well as board members expenses - is currently makings is journey through the House of Keys.

He believes local authorities had supported proposals for legislative reform in principle, but had raised concerns about specific elements, including provisions relating to financial control.

Clause five of the proposed bill is seen as controversial by local authorities due to the potential for the Department of Infrastructure to impose functions without providing financial support.

According to Mr Jones, efforts to engage with government on these points had not always been successful.

“I would urge Ms Baptist to work with her fellow commissioners to run an efficient regime and accept that at time others might disagree with her views in a debate and that at times, you are on the losing side of a vote.”, he writes.