Chris Thomas elected as Isle of Man chief minister

Chris Thomas has been selected as the Isle of Man's new chief minister.

Thomas received the backing of 22 Members of the House of Keys (MHKs) in a contest with newcomer to national politics Kirrie Jenkins.

Thomas won the first ballot by 16 votes to six and later secured the backing of all but two members.

The Douglas Central MHK, who is one of the island's longest serving Tynwald members, will now appoint a Council of Ministers to head up the eight government departments.

Speaking at the start of the sitting, Thomas said his track record and leadership style prove he can be a chief minister who will deliver what voters want.

He said it was his responsibility to "create an environment where the next government will perform and those we represent will flourish."

Thomas continued: "We will ensure that not a pound of taxpayers' money is wasted before it reaches frontline services and we'll use tools like priority-based budgeting to make choices about new services and streamlining existing services."

Thomas ended by saying the island needs an administration that can deliver from day one.

"My record shows I know how to navigate the Council of Ministers, the keys, treasury and government, how to work with and across departments, and it shows I deliver."

Thomas was first elected in 2013 and served in several ministerial positions during previous administrations, most recently appointed treasury minister in January last year by outgoing chief minister Alfred Cannan.

The appointment will be formally confirmed by the island's lieutenant governor, Sir John Lorimer, at Government House.

MHKs will next sit alongside members of the Legislative Council for the first sitting of Tynwald of the new parliamentary year next Tuesday.

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