Panel to examine election funding

Chief Minister Tony Brown has set up a three-man panel to look at the issue of election funding.

Concerns were raised during the Douglas East by-election after a trust was set up by anonymous donors to fund TV chef Kevin Woodford’s campaign.

At the time, Mr Brown said the Council of Ministers was very concerned about that particular sort of backing and promised to look into the matter.

He now says a panel will investigate party funding, candidate funding, limiting campaign expenditure and ‘in kind’ benefits.

The three members of the independent review panel conducting the review are former High Bailiff Michael Moyle, former Chief Minister Sir Miles Walker and local advocate Seth Caine.

They’ll conduct the review over the coming weeks and will produce a written report containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.

That will then be put before the Council of Ministers governance committee in early September.

Mr Brown says he’s confident the highly experienced and qualified experts will produce real progress.