Tynwald has assumed full strength after Mr Tony Wild was elected a Member of the Legislative Council on Monday December 12, 2011. Mr Wild was proposed by John Houghton MHK and seconded by the Chief Minister, Hon Allan Bell MHK, at a special sitting of the House of Keys on Monday December 12, 2011. He was sworn in by His Honour the Deemster Doyle on Tuesday December 13, 2011, thereby providing the new MLC the opportunity to join the December sitting of Tynwald. Mr Wild fills the vacancy left after Mrs Clare Christian MLC was elected President of Tynwald in July 2011 following the retirement of former President of Tynwald Mr Noel Cringle OBE and, in so doing, restores Tynwald to full membership. An associate member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, member of the Institute of Directors and former president of the Isle of Man Bankers’ Association he has a distinguished background in international banking in the Isle of Man and the UK, principally with the Lloyds Banking Group. Welcoming Mr Wild the President of Tynwald the Hon Clare Christian MLC said: ‘I am pleased that, with the election of Mr Wild, the Legislative Council is once again an 11-strong body. The months and years ahead will be testing times for the Isle of Man when there will be need for wise counsel and strong direction - a need I am confident Mr Wild, with his extensive experience and leadership skills, supported by his fellow Legislative Council Members, will amply fulfil.’ Mr Wild said: ‘I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to serve Tynwald and the people of the Isle of Man. I believe my long career in banking has gained me an extensive insight into running businesses and, through my dealings with Tynwald and the Manx government, an understanding of the legislative process that I will be able to apply to my role as an MLC. Against this background I am looking forward to contributing to the work of the Legislative Council to support this nation and its people during these demanding and challenging times.’ 53-year-old Mr Wild was born Newcastle upon Tyne, spent his formative years in West Yorkshire then moved to the Island in 1976 where he completed his education at the Isle of Man College before embarking on his banking career, which he began in Ramsey with Lloyds Bank. He lives in Laxey with his wife Janet and the couple have a son and daughter, both studying at universities in the UK. He is a director of two charitable trusts in the Island, the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust Limited and the Great Laxey Mines Railway Company Limited. In his spare time he enjoys clay pigeon shooting, local history and looking after his vintage MGBGT. ENDS