Rosalind Ranson row draws to a close

Tynwald debates the findings of a probe into its management

Tynwald has accepted the findings of an independent investigation carried out into government's management of the Dr Rosalind Ranson case.

It marks the end of a lengthy legal process, which saw millions of pounds paid in compensation to the former medical director.

Richard Wright KC delivered his report in January which was acknowledged at the time in Tynwald, but political members have only now had their chance to express their thoughts.

It became a long and challenging road up to this point, initially stemming from disputes in early 2020.

In August 2021, Manx Radio was shown evidence confirming Rosalind Ranson had been dismissed, while a then-member of the Public Accounts Committee, to whom she had given evidence, also told Manx Radio she had been removed from her position.

When Manx Radio published that story, it was much to the upset of the government who denied it was true and accused Manx Radio of publishing disinformation.

Fast forwarding to January 2022, legal proceedings began into claims of unfair dismissal, the outcome of which was concluded later that year in May which found she had in fact been removed from her role unfairly, and as a result of whistleblowing.

However, that wasn't the end of it as High Court appeals were lodged and remedy hearings were carried out in January and March the following year.

In May 2023, a record breaking £3.2 million pay-out was awarded to Dr Ranson prompting a public apology from the Chief Minister Alfred Cannan:

Government referred itself to an independent investigator Richard Wright KC, to conduct a probe of its management of the case - which in the chief minister's words, 'made for uncomfortable reading'.

However, Tynwald this week, marked what would seem to be the end of what became a lengthy process, and was the first opportunity politicians had to make their views known on the report's findings.

But politicians appeared to be on edge as each member stood up to give their thoughts.

Towards the end of last year, the British Medical Association wrote an open letter to the chief minister after escalating its concerns to the UK government - something Mr Cannan rejected.

Speaking in the chamber, Julie Edge was interrupted multiple times whilst delivering her speech:

Whilst a sitting is being conducted, politicians hold what's known as 'parliamentary privilege', which grants them 'free speech' and immunity to prosecution.

They can object to certain words or statements though, which is what Health Minister Lawrie Hooper did when MHK Chris Thomas was on his feet:

Despite that outrage at the use of the word 'disappear', Mr Hooper then went on to slam other members claims, labelling them as 'without substance':

Tynwald ultimately accepted the findings of the report. While the legal proceedings relating to the tribunal have now concluded, Tynwald will discuss the findings of the report again in July.