Tynwald told collective responsibility doctrine suits Island's needs

The chief minister has told Tynwald there is no need to change the current system of collective responsibility.

Allan Bell was responding to a call in March from South Douglas MHK Kate Beecroft to review the system which sees members of the Council of Ministers voting in favour of government motions, except in exceptional circumstances.

The Chief Minister argued there are a number of reasons to maintain the status quo. In its simplest form he said, the internal discipline of collective responsibility offers certainty and cohesion to government and by diminishing 'silo' thinking, ensured a joined-up approach.

He described collective responsibility as a safeguard against one person having too much power.

Mr Bell acknowledged a perception the doctrine could be more open, transparent and democratic and cited several factors which showed a willingness to address such concerns.

Among them, the smaller Council of Ministers had reduced the power of the block vote while the size of political memberships of departments did not guarantee the outcome of Government motions.

Mr Bell also pointed to the Agenda for Change document which sets out government priorities and issues on which Council of Ministers has formed a collective view.

Comparing the Manx non-party political system with other jurisdications, he said Jersey is moving towards a system of collective responsibility and it has been advocated in Guernsey too.

Mr Bell concluded the current position is not static and he anticipated it would continue to evolve over the coming years.