Standards Committee dealt a blow as Tynwald rejects call for Chief Minister to withdraw remarks

Members divided over language, conduct and culture in heated debate on parliamentary standards

Tynwald has voted against a motion that would have called for Chief Minister Alfred Cannan to withdraw remarks made in October 2024, in which he described his former health minister’s resignation statement using the terms "fabrication", "falsehood" and "gaslighting".

The motion, brought forward by the Chair of the Tynwald Standards and Members’ Interests Committee, Juan Watterson, followed a referral by Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper.

Mr Hooper had asked the committee to consider whether the comments were in line with parliamentary rules and the Members' Code of Conduct.

The committee concluded the language used was "unacceptable" and recommended the remarks be withdrawn.

A second recommendation called for training for all members on the ‘principles of parliamentary language and debate’.

During the debate, Mr Watterson said the committee had given the matter 'careful consideration' and believed it highlighted a wider lack of understanding among members about what constitutes acceptable language in the Court.

Onchan MHK Rob Callister opposed the motion, arguing politicians need to develop "a thicker political skin" and be prepared for "a few political bruises".

MLC Paul Craine questioned whether the report failed to distinguish between a falsehood and a lie, stating that someone could repeat a falsehood they genuinely believe to be true, and could not be accused of lying.

Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas warned against focusing too heavily on language rather than substance, saying: “How can you argue about policy if you can’t call out the fabrication of falsehoods?”

Onchan MHK Julie Edge stressed the importance of respect and fairness, while also alleging she had experienced bullying and intimidation in Tynwald.

Her speech was interrupted by the President, the presiding officer of Tynwald, who instructed her to withdraw comments about the conduct of presiding officers.

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Tim Glover said it was unacceptable that the Chief Minister made such remarks while Mr Hooper was away on official duties, and called for an end to "bickering and name calling" in the Court.

Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh added that the debate itself reflected poorly on Tynwald, saying: “We are all far too easily offended.”

Despite the committee’s findings, Tynwald rejected the motion, overruling the Standards Committee’s recommendations.

In the House of Keys, 10 members voted in favour and 13 against. In the Legislative Council, five in favour, three against.