THE Isle of Man's Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK has met briefly with new Labour Party leader Ed Miliband MP.
Mr Bell attended the Labour Party Conference in Manchester this week.
He held a series of informal discussions with key members of the shadow cabinet, ministers, peers and senior policy advisers including Shadow Chancellor Alistair Darling and Shadow Secretary for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper.
He also met members of the British-Manx All Party Parliamentary Group and a number of North West MPs - among them Liverpool and Walton MP Steve Rotherham - to discuss opportunities to strengthen political and business links between the Isle of Man and UK.
Mr Bell said: "Labour is clearly moving into a new era under Mr Miliband's leadership, which means a different dynamic of power and influence.
"It is vital that we strengthen our dialogue with the party so that the Isle of Man can continue to target its message at the right people in the right places.
"The Isle of Man was very well received at the conference and I was able to deliver a strong message - that we are an enterprising, open and responsible country that plays a key role in supporting the British economy.
"I am confident that the Island will be able to build a positive working relationship with the new Labour leadership."
