Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK says he is looking forward to working with Lord Faulks QC to help maintain the positive relationship between the Isle of Man and United Kingdom Governments.
 
Lord Faulks has this week been appointed as the Minister of State for Justice with responsibility for the Crown Dependencies.
 
The Conservative peer will replace Lord McNally who announced that he was standing down from his position at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to take up an appointment as Chair of the UK Youth Justice Board.
 
Simon Hughes MP, the Liberal Democrat deputy leader, has also been appointed to the MoJ as part of the mini reshuffle.
 
The MoJ manages the UK Government’s constitutional relationship with the Crown Dependencies and has been instrumental in building a better understanding of the Isle of Man among MPs and UK Civil Servants.
 
The Chief Minister said: ‘Lord McNally has been a very good friend to the Isle of Man over many years. He has played a leading role in promoting greater awareness of the Island across Whitehall and strengthening our partnership with the UK in both political and practical terms.’
 
‘I have spoken to Lord McNally this week to wish him well in his new role and to convey my personal gratitude, and that of the Isle of Man, for his support during his three and a half years as UK Minister with responsibility for the Crown Dependencies. He put in a considerable amount of hard work on our behalf at a time when the Crown Dependencies were subject to unprecedented external scrutiny. His openness and willingness to engage, no matter how difficult the issue, has been most appreciated.’
 
Mr Bell added: ‘I am sure Lord McNally will share with Lord Faulks his knowledge and experience of working with the Isle of Man to ensure a continuity of understanding.
 
‘The relationship between the Isle of Man and United Kingdom Governments is the best it has been for some time and I look forward to working with Lord Faulks in the months and years ahead to build on those solid foundations.’