Ramsey MHK Allan Bell has come out as the 'people's choice' for the next chief minister, in a survey of Isle of Man residents.

Mr Bell, the minister for economic development, leads Steve Rodan, Anne Craine and Peter Karran in the 'Manx People Power' survey, which is being carried out by HPI Research.

Views were sought from 'a representative sample' of 1,055 people, between July 6 and 21.

Long-standing Castletown MHK Tony Brown, who has been chief minister for the past five years, recently announced his retirement from polictics, but up to that point he was in 5th place, behind Allan Bell (15%), Steve Rodan (12%), Anne Craine (11%), and Peter Karran (9%).

Chief ministers are elected by Tynwald by secret ballot, and four people have held the position since it was created in 1986.

The survey posed the question: 'Assuming that you were able to vote for the chief minister, which one of these people, or someone else, would you vote for?'

'Don't knows' totalled 23%, boosted by a significant 38% in the 16-24 age group.

In the wake of the survey results being announced Mr Rodan has told Manx Radio he would 'enjoy another term as speaker', if he regained his seat in Garff in next month's general election.

None of the others have formally indicated they would throw their hats into the ring, although Mr Karran has said that if his Liberal Vannin Party gained a substantial number of members, he, as leader, could take the top role.

The president, Clare Christian, will summon Tynwald Court to elect a new chief minister on Tuesday, October 11 at 10.30am.