PETER Karran threatened to withdraw from standing for Chief Minister after heated scenes in Tynwald this morning.
The Onchan MHK halted proceedings and declared that he would be withdrawing due to the fact he felt there was no "freedom of speech in the House of Keys".
His comments came after his proposer, Douglas South MHK Kate Beecroft, spent more time criticising Mr Karran's competitor Allan Bell MHK.
In an unusual approach newly elected Member Mrs Beecroft took to the floor and in her maiden speech proceeded to give a comparison between Mr Karran and Mr Bell.
At one point she even suggested that Mr Bell had copied Mr Karran's national manifesto saying: "I'm sure the electorate is wondering why Mr Bell has dressed himself up in Liberal Vannin colours! There is a saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
Mrs Beecroft was warned on numerous occasions to stay on track by the President of Tynwald Clare Christian.
Mrs Christian said: "I have given you considerable leeway in the way you are presenting this. The Honourable Member is not arguing a case for her candidate, she is arguing a case against the other candidate."
Despite Mr Karran's protests that freedom of speech was not being allowed Mrs Christian urged him to continue to allow his name to be put forward in the interests of democracy.
Onchan MHK Zac Hall, who was seconding Mr Karran's nomination, was also warned about his approach. At one point he was told to sit down by Mrs Christian and was asked to "refine his remarks" after raising concerns over the safety of a "virtual airline".
In an attempt to persuade members to vote for Mr Karran, newly elected Mr Hall said: "You are selecting someone to do a job, an important job, a critical job that relates to the safety of yourself and your family.
"You've got to make this decision and you have to make it right.
"Peter Karran has always been a steadfast opponent of wasteful spending. He is an independent man who thinks for himself and we all know he is not afraid to tell you when he disagrees.
"This man is honest and speaks straight from the heart. With the support of our people Peter Karran will revitalise politics. We have to act, we need a new direction."
The unprecedented scenes in this morning's Tynwald did not go down well with other members with one heard commenting "this is appalling".
After almost 45 minutes of speeches the members of Tynwald were asked to vote. 29 voted in favour of Mr Bell for Chief Minister with three voting for Mr Karran.
The result means Ramsey MHK Allan Bell has become the Island's fifth Chief Minister.
Also see: Allan Bell elected as Chief Minister
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