Tynwald president retires from Manx politics

The President of Tynwald has announced his decision to retire from Manx politics.

Laurence Skelly has been a member of the House of Keys for Rushen since 2011 and has served as its president since 2021.

The island is poised for a general election in September, with the final sitting of the current parliament due to take place in July.

Skelly said: "As a Manxman, to have served as President of Tynwald during these past five years has been the greatest honour."

He added: "It has been a very great privilege to serve the people of Rushen and the Isle of Man, both as a Member of the House of Keys and as President of Tynwald.

"I remain sincerely grateful to my former constituents and colleagues across Tynwald for the confidence and support they have shown to me."

As well as thanking "many members of staff" within government, Skelly paid a special "heartfelt thanks" to his wife Jackie and his family "for their steadfast support throughout my years in public service".

He described Tynwald as the "Isle of Man's most ancient institution, and the responsibility of upholding its integrity and traditions is of the greatest importance to our identity and nation".

Skelly said it was his "sincere hope that future generations will continue to respect, value and safeguard our unique parliament".

While retiring from politics, Skelly said he intended to remain active by supporting family businesses, as well as contributing to "cultural, heritage and charitable initiatives".

Skelly will remain in the role until his term ends in July.

A new President of Tynwald will be elected after September's election, to serve the next five-year term.

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