North Douglas MHK John Houghton is being told he should 'consider his position' as chairman of the employers' side of Whitley Council.

The comment comes from senior union official Mick Hewer, after complaints made by Mr Houghton about his counterpart on the employees' side, Angus Kelly, were forwarded by police to the attorney general’s chambers.

The employees' side of the council has suspended all business, a move which could potentially throw industrial relations in the Isle of Man into chaos.

Mr Hewer, the regional industrial organiser for the union Unite, says relations are in disarray.

He told Manx Radio:

"I can't make any comments for Angus Kelly, but I can't see that there is any way back from this with the two parties involved.

"Certainly, from the union perspective, from the employees' perspective, Angus Kelly will get full support on a daily basis.

"As far as we are concerned he is the elected chairman on the employees' side, and that will remain the case.

"Certainly I think that Mr Houghton needs to consider his postion, in fact I don't step back from the comments that I've made earlier that I think his position is now untenable and he should resign."

The row became public on January 12 and Mr Houghton has made it clear he won't talk about the issue while it is under investigation.

(Picture: North Douglas MHK and chairman of the employers' side of Whitley Council, John Houghton).