Onchan Commissioner survives no confidence vote

A vote of no confidence against Onchan Commissioner David Quirk has failed.

The motion was moved by fellow board member Commissioner Anthony Allen.

Three members, mover Anthony Allen, Derek Crellin and Chair Kathryn Williams voted for the motion, whilst vice chair Zara Lewin, Fenella Logan, Robin Turton and David Quirk voted against.

At the 17 October meeting, Mr Quirk insisted he had "done nothing wrong" in response to allegations made by Mr Allen.

Chair Kathryn Williams said she saw the motion of no confidence as a "last resort" as it was "an ongoing issue".

She stated Mr Quirk had repeatedly been offered the opportunity to step down but had refused to do so.

Mr Quirk was then asked if he wanted to step down willingly before the motion was acknowledged - he again refused.

When asked if anyone would second the motion, no commissioner did so.

As a result, Miss Williams seconded it, saying "it needs to be heard".

Mr Allen then laid out the terms which had prompted his motion against Mr Quirk.

He alleged that since Mr Quirk was appointed as the Commisioners' lead member for finance in May 2022, he had had no contact with the district's Finance Manager, and they have no working relationship.

Mr Allen argued this relationship was "paramount" and argued that the Board "has not been kept fully informed" as a consequence.

He alleged a letter was received in June detailing "inappropriate and aggressive behaviour", and a report was presented to the Board on 16 September.

An extraordinary meeting was held on 26 September, with Mr Quirk encouraged to "do the right thing" and resign.

It was then revealed that Chair Kathryn Williams had since asked him to stand down, and an email was sent to members on 5 October confirming these conversations and suggesting a vote of no confidence.

Mr Allen said the motion was "in the best interest of good governance" and was "not about personalities" but the "difference between right and wrong".

Miss Williams said she seconded the motion as she had been informed by both parties involved that they could not work together as she would expect them to do, and this attitude "does not serve the board, authority or staff well" given the rate setting meeting for the district will be held very soon in relative terms.

A disagreement then broke out between the commissioners, with some asking for further proof and disputing the statement as given by Mr Allen.

Mr Quirk then began to give his own statement, which was briefly stopped due to objections.

Mr Turton argued Mr Quirk should be allowed to defend himself, and he was allowed to continue.