The former chairman of the employers' side of Whitley Council says he feels it was in the best interests of workers in the Isle of Man that he stepped down from the role.

John Houghton had held the position for the last five years and his resignation was announced in Tynwald by Chief Minister Tony Brown, yesterday evening.

Meetings of Whitley Council were suspended by the employees' side, after Mr Houghton reported his employees' side counterpart to police for alleged insulting remarks.

The allegations proved groundless and it was suggested Mr Houghton should resign, on the grounds his position had become untenable.

Mr Houghton says he wishes his successor, member of the Legislative Council Dudley Butt, every success in the role.

Mr Butt will take over, subject to Tynwald's approval, next month.