Former Peel town commissioner and MHK weighs in on Baptist row

'Local Authorities are not fit for purpose' says Hazel Hannan

A political stalwart from the west of the Island has weighed in on the unfurling row at Peel Town Commissioners.

It follows a video posted online by Katryna Baptist, in which she raised a series of concerns about governance, transparency and accountability within the local authority.

You can find out more here. 

In a statement issued to Manx Radio, Hazel Hannan has provided her insight.

Mrs Hannan represented the town via the local authority and on a national level for many decades.

She says the latest war of words evidences that 'local authorities are not fit for purpose' and has thrown her support behind Ms Baptist.

Her statement in full: "I’m writing in support of Peel Town Commissioner Katryna Baptist.

"I experienced the same issues while a Peel Town Commissioner, regarding minutes, actions and support from the Chair or fellow Commissioners.

"As she states, power is with the Clerk who writes the minutes, actions agreed, issues... or doesn’t, as he sees fit.

"If there isn’t a strong Chair there to look after the interests of fellow commissioners, the whole system fails.

"Local Authorities are not fit for purpose.

"Government tried to support communities by the introduction of legislation, only to be objected to by Clerks and commissioners.

"The Statement issued by the Clerk [last night] is a typical example. In less than 24 hours, this is written and agreed, without a meeting and should be of great concern. 

But again, [that is] typical of the Town Hall."