CHIEF Minister Allan Bell MHK has announced his decision to have the Minister for Education and Children Peter Karran MHK removed from the Council of Ministers.
 
Mr Bell said he had no alternative following Mr Karran’s opposition in Tynwald this week to the Council’s agreed policy on the future of the Island’s film industry, given his support for the proposal in Council and his agreement to respect collective responsibility.
 
The Chief Minister explained: ‘This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but Government does have well established rules on the collective responsibility that is expected of all Ministers and Departmental Members. As Chief Minister I must ensure that those rules are applied consistently and fairly.’
 
He added: ‘Peter Karran has worked hard as Minister for Education and Children and has received the support of the Council of Ministers in that role. It is disappointing that he is no longer able to accept the responsibilities that go with the office of Minister.’
 
Mr Bell said that Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK would be delegated responsibility for the Department of Education and Children, in addition to his existing duties, as an interim arrangement pending the appointment of a new Minister.