Newly elected MHK to be sworn in

The Island’s newest MHK hopes to get off to a flying start today – with two questions for written answer in the House of Keys.

Chris Thomas of West Douglas will quiz Chief Minister Allan Bell about services following the 'user-pays' principle and a planned government website which sets out how the government is performing.

Three MHKs split all but one of the 20 questions for oral answer between them this morning: Onchan’s Peter Karran, Douglas South MHK Kate Beecroft and North Douglas MHK Bill Henderson.

Rushen MHK Lawrence Skelly is the only other member with a question – his is for Education Minister Tim Crookall about teaching discipline and respect in schools.

Mrs Beecroft, Mr Henderson and Mr Karran will pose questions about social housing, the proposed Peel sewage plant, the Langness Peninsula and Noble’s Hospital.

After questions, Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson will bring forward a bill covering criminal justice and police powers for its first reading, while Environment Minister Phil Gawne will steer public health laws through their second reading.

Onchan MHK Peter Karran will ask the house for leave to introduce a bill completely revamping the Legislative Council, making it popularly elected.

That body also sits this morning to give the summary jurisdiction bill its first reading and elect members to three committees.

You can hear live coverage of Keys questions from 10am on Manx Radio’s AM1368 frequency.

Before the sitting, Mr Thomas will be sworn in at a special ceremony.

The financial analyst will take his oath of office in the Keys chamber 45 minutes before today’s sitting of the house.

The First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls, and the Second Deemster administer the oath, which can be in English or Manx, before Mr Thomas signs the Liber Juramentorum, or Book of Oaths.