The Thomas plan for Manx government: smaller, smarter, smoother

Expose News, Part 3

New Chief Minister Chris Thomas set out his programme before a single vote was cast – and he put deadlines on delivery. In Part 1 of our profile, Expose.News delved into early career of the Oxford graduate. In Part 2, we looked at his political rise. Now, in this installment we find out what he believes in and what policies are in store for the Isle of Man.  

His policy statement, sent to MHKs on 5 October 2026, was titled ‘Smaller, Smarter, Smoother Government: Fair, Firm, Free Island’.

‘The island voted for change. Now we need to turn it into action,’ he told the Chief Minister hustings on 8 October.

The Economy

His statement commits the new administration to refresh the Economic Strategy in November, and bring a legislative programme to Tynwald before Christmas.

Debates on development viability and a bus strategy are also due before Christmas. 

A debate on migration and border policy will follow in January.

He wants the government to show by Christmas that it is acting on housing, healthcare, and facilities for getting on and off the island.

Housing first

Housing is the centrepiece. Thomas plans a motion in Tynwald setting out the affordable housing target, how it will be funded and how the homes will be delivered.

He says the current commitment of up to 1,000 affordable homes over ten years, which began in April 2025, contains ambiguities.

The former financial consultant has proposed a Housing and Planning Policy Minister to lead a costed national plan to house local people.

He also backs rent-to-buy support, better shared-equity schemes and a vacant properties’ initiative.

On the Manx Development Corporation, he is open to ending the controversial body,  or changing the purpose, with a viability study to guide the decision.

A recent report about the MDC revealed that spiralling construction costs, labour shortages and structural market challenges are having a ‘significant and systemic impact’ on the viability of brownfield regeneration in the island.

Leaner public services

‘Public service productivity is key as we need more for less,’ his statement says.

Thomas proposes recruitment controls, a workforce plan focused on keeping staff, and multi year pay agreements. He wants unnecessary management roles and duplication removed.

The Council of Ministers will work as ‘practically and culturally one body’, he said, and has promised more detailed published minutes of its meetings.

Cost of living

Thomas has also called for restraint on electricity charges, Steam Packet fares, freight charges and waste costs.

On sea services, a wider political debate on how they are run and funded is on the cards. The Steam Packet may have to look at hedging fuel prices to give more certainty over costs.

Energy, skills and finance

An energy policy, built on lower costs, resilience and a properly funded strategy has been earmarked.

On offshore wind, he seconded a motion calling for a referendum, while warning of legal risks around existing leases and money already spent.

Investment in apprenticeships and vocational training is also a priority.

For the finance sector – an area which Thomas knows well – reducing regulatory friction ahead of sweeping new laws has been spoken about. 

On child poverty, experts are to set an indicator to measure progress, building on the poverty committee’s recommendations.

The team to deliver it

Thomas’ Council of Ministers received their warrants on 16 October.

The top team includes three new ministers: Robert Cowell at Enterprise, Dr Rachel Glover at Environment, Food and Agriculture, and Michael Crowe at Treasury.

‘I am pleased to have formed a team that will work together to get things done,’ Thomas said.

He has said further appointments are possible as the administration’s priorities become clearer.

The first deadlines fall before Christmas. Expose News will be tracking each one.