The chief minister (Manx: Ard-hirveishagh) is the executive head of the Isle of Man Government.
The office derives from that of chairman of the Executive Council. Before 1980 the Executive Council was chaired by the lieutenant governor, but thereafter the chairman was elected by Tynwald, the parliament of the Isle of Man.Constitution (Executive Council) (Amendment) Act 1980 The title was changed to "chief minister" in 1986.Constitution (Executive Council) Act 1986
The chief minister is appointed by the lieutenant governor on the nomination of the House of Keys (formerly the nomination of Tynwald) after a general election for the House of Keys. He holds office until the next general election (i.e. normally for five years) and is eligible for re-appointment, but may be removed from office by simple majority in Tynwald on a vote of no confidence in the Council of Ministers.Council of Ministers Act 1990 section 2
The incumbent chief minister is Alfred Cannan, who has held the office since 12 October 2021.
List of officeholders Prior to 1986, the office of chief minister was known as the chairman of the Executive Council. Chief Minister Took office Left office Tenure Party Election Chairmen of the Executive Council 1 Charles Kerruish 6 years Independent TBA 2 Norman Crowe 5 years Independent TBA 3 Percy Radcliffe 6 years Independent TBA 4 Clifford Irving 4 years Independent TBA Percy Radcliffe 4 years Independent TBA 5 Edgar Mann 1 year Independent TBAChief Ministers 1 Miles Walker Independent 1986 1991 2 Donald Gelling Independent 1996 3 Richard Corkill Independent 2001 – Allan Bell 1 day Independent Donald Gelling Independent – 4 Tony Brown Independent 2006 5 Allan Bell Independent 2011 6 Howard Quayle Independent 2016 7 Alfred Cannan Incumbent Independent 2021
Timeline This is a graphical lifespan timeline of chief ministers of the Isle of Man, with the chairmen of the Executive Council also being included. In total, twelve people have served as either chairman of the Executive Council or chief minister of the Isle of Man since 1961. They are listed in the order in which they first assumed the office (acting officeholders are not listed).
See also Chief Minister Chairman of the Executive Council, this office's predecessor
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