Following the shock of Graham Cregeen (pictured) MHK's forced departure from the Department of Tourism and Leisure, Chief Minister Tony Brown MHK has announced several department membership changes.
Juan Turner MLC is being moved from the DTL to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), with Dudley Butt replacing him and taking over responsibility for Leisure.
Mr Butt will also be taking up the associated positions of Chairman of the Arts Council and Chairman of Isle of Man Sport.
The appointments were agreed by the Lieutenant Governor on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers.
The Department of Tourism and Leisure is made up of four Divisions - Tourism, Leisure, Public Transport and Corporate Services.
Mr Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK will remain the Political Member for Tourism Division with responsibility for Communications, Quality and Service, Product Development and Events excluding TT and Motorsport.
Martyn Quayle MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, will be taking responsibility for the Public Transport Division, which includes buses and heritage railways - the role previously undertaken by Graham Cregeen MHK.
The Minister retains responsibility for Strategy and Policy Development, TT and Motorsport, DTL Property and Assets. He also holds the position of Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for the Commonwealth Youth Games 2011.
Minister Quayle comments, "I would like to thank Mr Cregeen, MHK and Mr Turner, MLC for their contribution to the Department and I welcome Mr Dudley Butt, MLC who is joining us.
"I recognise the challenges that currently face us and together with the people involved with tourism and leisure on the Island and our dedicated officers, we will continue to work hard in 2010 to enhance economic development for our Island as well as to provide quality and value for our customers.
"This is an exciting time for DTL and I look forward to working with my political colleagues and staff, including our new Director of Tourism, Mr Rod Nipper, to promote the Island."
