Next Chief Minister Must Have the Leadership Skills Needed to Deliver Economic Growth, says Chamber

The Island’s leading business network – which represents over 450 organisations that employ more than 20,000 people – says it’s vital that MHKs make the right decision when they vote to choose the Chief Minister in October. 

Chamber President Claire Watterson commented: “Before the General Election, Chamber and our members called on candidates and voters to focus on the major economic challenges facing the Island. The economy contracted by 7.4% in the two years up to 2024, one of several worrying indicators. It was essential that voters supported candidates with the ability to bring fresh thinking to these problems. Now, Members of the House of Keys must choose a Chief Minister who can lead the Island towards the economic growth it urgently needs. The next five years will be extremely challenging. Developing an economy fit for the future will require someone who understands commercial realities, the scale and pace of technological change, and the implications for our workforce, public services and competitiveness.”

She added: “The next Chief Minister must therefore be able to choose a Council of Ministers with the capabilities needed to deliver for the Island, and create collective accountability for doing so. They must work constructively across Tynwald, listen to businesses and households, and maintain strong relationships with the UK Government and the Crown Dependencies while representing the Island credibly on the wider international stage. They will need to seek collaboration, but have the judgement and courage to act when consensus is not possible. Most importantly, they must be a leader with the qualities to make wise choices about the next Council of Ministers, maintain good relations with the UK Government and Crown Dependencies, and represent the Island in the Commonwealth and the wider international stage.”

Chamber is calling for the next Chief Minister and Council of Ministers to focus on three overarching priorities:

• Develop a sustainable economic growth strategy, and introduce policies that will create a world class business environment;
• Address skills shortages and key issues affecting the ability of Island businesses to retain and recruit the best people;
• Modernise government decision-making and make government more agile and efficient.

Chamber’s view is that urgent action will be required by the new Government to resolve or at least stabilise long-running problems impacting business in all sectors. Claire Watterson said: “A General Election is an opportunity for change. Air and sea links, affordable housing and rental accommodation, health and education issues, are all concerns that are raised repeatedly by businesses. These longstanding problems remain unresolved, all of which are limiting productivity and impacting GDP. While it would be unfair to expect the new government to resolve these issues immediately, action can and should be taken before the end of this year to at least start to address the most pressing concerns. Chamber’s door is always open for members of Tynwald to pop into our office or call us. We can provide business insight, evidence, sector expertise and direct feedback from employers. Government and business need to work together, and we want Chamber to be a constructive and active part of that partnership.”