First he was suspended from Tynwald – and now the MHK at the centre of a bullying row has been suspended from his department.

The Council of Ministers says North Douglas member John Houghton has been suspended as a member of the Department of Infrastructure.

On Tuesday, Tynwald members voted to demand an apology after a report found he’d bullied a member of the Clerk of Tynwald’s office.

However, Mr Houghton refused – and so has been banned from the precincts of Tynwald until he changes his mind.

Today, the Council of Ministers said it had suspended Mr Houghton from the DoI – he'll lose the extra ?11,863 on top of his basic MHK salary of ?39,546 for his role in the department.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne says he’s spoken to the wayward member to explain he can’t continue as a member of his department.

Mr Gawne says a key part of the role is supporting legislation passing through Tynwald and its branches – something Mr Houghton can’t currently do.

But he says if Mr Houghton does apologise, then CoMin will consider reinstating him.