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New governor sought as Sir Richard's tenure comes to end

Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney with primary school children

The position is the Island's personal representative of The Queen

The role of the Isle of Man's Lieutenant Governor is now being advertised.

Applications are invited for the position, which represents Her Majesty The Queen, Lord of Mann, on the Island.

The current incumbent Sir Richard Gozney is to retire in August.

The position

The role of the lieutenant governor is traditionally held by a previously non-Island resident, to fulfil the criteria that the position is a completely objective one.

No Manx person has ever held the title, though some have called for that to be the case. 

It's described as the 'personal representative' of the Queen and an impartial adviser.

The history

Henry Hope was sworn in as the first lieutenant governor in 1773.

Before that time there were various incarnations of the role, called 'deputy governors' or just 'governors' - dating as far back as 1595.

One of the more well-known governors was Lord Raglan, appointed in 1902 and who remained for 16 years.

In 1916, as World War I was slowly progressing, as was economic hardship, the intense situation here worsened 'when conscription was introduced.'

Culture Vannin writes about Tynwald Day that year, when all calls for help from 'Lord Raglan were ignored and the Island had no social welfare benefits or poor relief.'

It got so bad that a protest against Lord Raglan of 2,000 angry men and women took place, reportedly throwing clumps of grass at him shouting 'Raglan Must Go'.

What role does the LG play in modern society?

It is still an active one, however it does possess fewer powers than in centuries gone by.

Today it's largely ceremonial, although certain powers under Manx legislation do still fall to the governor.

Most recently, our current incumbent Sir Richard Gozney, signed off on emergency powers to Tynwald, when we went into a state of emergency last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

What happens when a Lieutenant Governor is appointed?

If you are to become the lieutenant governor, you are required to live on the Island and 'play a full and active part in Manx life, with particular emphases on community and charitable affairs'.

As well as an official residence at Government House, you also receive an annual salary of more than £100,000 (£108,208).

The appointment itself is made by The Queen, based on the recommendations of an Isle of Man select panel.  

The successful candidate must carry the qualities of diplomacy and tact, and is described as a 'discreet and lucid communicator' to the Manx and UK governments.

Applicants must either be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen, or hold dual nationality, one of which must include one of the aforementioned nations.

The closing date for applications is 16 February at 5pm.

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