Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce welcomes Council of Ministers reshuffle and calls for focus on delivery
19 January 2026
Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the Chief Minister’s decision to undertake a Council of Ministers reshuffle, describing it as a positive and timely step to sharpen its focus in the last nine months of the current administration.
Chamber President Claire Watterson said: “We support the reshuffle. With only nine months remaining in this administration, clarity, focus, and delivery are essential. This is the right moment to ensure government is aligned around outcomes that genuinely support the Island’s economy and its people. Businesses are looking for stability, proportionate policy decisions, and a clear sense of direction. A Council of Ministers that’s more focused on the economic priorities, and more in tune with business needs, creates a real opportunity to support economic growth this year. If the new Council of Ministers delivers on the most pressing economic and business issues, it will also create a firm foundation for the new government that will be formed after the General Election in September.”
Chamber welcomes comments – reported in the news media – from new Treasury Minister Chris Thomas MHK saying his immediate focus will be to address concerns surrounding the introduction of the minimum wage by taking a slower approach to the increase being proposed. Due to widespread concerns about the negative impacts (including the possibility of job losses and business closure) of the 9.9% increase due to come into effect in April, Chamber has been campaigning strongly for a review of the increase. Chamber CEO Rebecca George said: “Chamber has consistently supported a fair, evidence-based approach to wage-setting that protects lower-paid workers while remaining sustainable for employers and the wider economy. Minimum wage policy needs to strike the right balance. Fair pay matters, but so does business viability, particularly for small and labour-intensive employers. We look forward seeing more details from the new Treasury Minister regarding the minimum wage.”
Chamber says it will continue to engage constructively with government as the new Council of Ministers sets out its priorities. As always, Chamber will work to ensure the voice of the business community remains central to decision-making about economic policy.