ALLAN  Bell and Peter Karran are likely to be the only two contenders for the position of Chief Minister which will be decided in the House of Keys next week.

Allan Bell is considered to be the clear favourite for the most senior political position in the Isle of Man, although Mr Karran is likely to receive a handful of votes, in particular from his newly elected two Liberal Vannin Party colleagues Zac Hall and Kate Beecroft.

The format for today’s proceedings has to follow some strict rules and protocol. The seven newly elected MHKs will be sworn in at 11.30am in the House of Keys chambers.

Nominations for the Chief Minister’s position, which can only be made by members of Tynwald, must be submitted in writing and delivered to the Clerk of Tynwald by 5pm today and this evening the nominations will be made known to Tynwald Members and then released to the media.

The nominees must then submit a written policy statement to the Clerk of Tynwald by 5pm on Thursday October 6. Once circulated to Tynwald Members the statements will be posted on the Tynwald website www.tynwald.org.im.

The new Speaker of the House of Keys will be elected by the new House of Keys this afternoon at 2.30pm and any other business conducted. The President of Tynwald, Clare Christian MLC, will summon Tynwald Court to elect a new Chief Minister on Tuesday October 11 at 10.30am.

The Chief Minister will be officially appointed by the Lieutenant Governor Mr Adam Wood based on

the nomination of Tynwald.