Onchan Commissioner says speculation about his employment is 'harmful'

Scott Wilson says all rumours have been reported to the police

An Onchan Commissioner says rumours about his employment in the civil service have caused him significant 'detriment' and 'harassment'. 

Scott Wilson claims accusations have been 'circulating' in the village that he has been suspended in connection to whistleblowing disclosures made in the public interest and a management complaint in his department. 

Dr Wilson, who joined Onchan Commissioners in a by-election in 2024, said in a statement the speculation is 'harmful' and will not be commenting on employment matters.

He added that he has 'serious concerns' about individuals who appear to 'claim knowledge' of whistleblowing disclosures and have assumed he has been suspended.

The statement also said the rumours compromise the ‘fairness and integrity’ of any process to the point of being unable to proceed ‘properly’.

Dr Wilson confirmed he has reported all 'gossip' in circulation to relevant government departments, their officers and to the police. 

The statement was read out at its public meeting yesterday evening.

He said the situation has already caused him ‘significant’ detriment and harassment and also ‘amounts’ to bullying - both in terms of how the information has surfaced and the way it has been circulated.

Dr Wilson also confirmed that the rumours have ‘no bearing whatsoever’ on his role as a commissioner, nor on the duties he holds as Lead Member for Housing and in his wider responsibilities to ratepayers and the electorate.

He also claims that a politician in Tynwald has ‘sought’ to involve themselves in operational matters relating to his position as a civil servant.

Dr Wilson believes this ‘wholly inappropriate’ and may amount to a breach of the Tynwald Standards and Members’ Interests Code of Conduct.

Manx Radio has contacted the Clerk of Tynwald’s Office which said it cannot comment on whether or not the matter has been referred to the Tynwald Standards and Members’ Interests Committee.