A former UK parliamentary ombudsman and Clerk of Tynwald has taken up a new role in the Isle of Man that will bring a further degree of challenge and scrutiny to the work of the Manx Government.

Malachy Cornwell-Kelly has been appointed as the Island’s first Tynwald Commissioner for Administration. He will provide independent oversight of administrative processes and decisions, as well as investigating complaints against Government Departments if certain conditions are met.

A solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, Mr Cornwell-Kelly brings a wealth of experience to the role having served as Director of Investigations for the UK Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

He also has extensive knowledge of the Island’s parliamentary system and laws after seven years as the Clerk of Tynwald and Secretary of the House of Keys (2001 to 2008).

Mr Cornwell-Kelly’s appointment as the Tynwald ombudsman will initially be for one year, after which time a review will be carried out.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas MHK said: ‘This is an important new role that will help to improve the delivery of public services. The Commissioner will have the power to investigate complaints made by members of the public against Government Departments. The role will be reviewed after first year and consideration given to extending its scope to include statutory boards and other public bodies. This type of step-by-step roll-out has proved successful for other initiatives, such as Freedom of Information and Discrimination legislation.’