The Education Minister Peter Karran has been sacked for failing to support the government's plan to invest in the UK's biggest film studios.

Chief Minister Allan Bell informed him this morning, and circulated details in a letter sent to all Tynwald members.

In Tynwald yesterday Mr Karran refused to support the plan to buy a 20% stake in Pinewood Shepperton at a cost of ?24 million, in a deal which would see the studio manage the Island's ?25 million media development fund.

Mr Bell told Tynwald members Mr Karran did not object to the plan when it was discussed by the Council of Ministers and had voted in favour of it.

Mr Karran's stance was in breach of the ministerial code and put his political future in doubt.

In the letter Mr Bell says he had no alternative but to sack Mr Karran for his failure to support the Council's agreed policy on the future of the film industry. He said he had to ensure the rules governing collective responsibility were applied consistently and fairly.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare will take over at the Department of Education and Children as an interim measure pending the appointment of a new minister.