Tony Brown (Manx politician)


James Anthony "Tony" Brown OBE is a Manx politician, former businessman and electrician who was the Chief Minister of the Isle of Man from 2006 until October 2011, when he stepped down from office following his decision to retire.

Early life and career

Born on 5 January 1950, Brown was educated at Victoria Road Primary, Castletown and Castle Rushen High School and has since been an electrician, being the proprietor of Tony Brown Electrics in Castletown until its closure in 2010. He was elected as a member of Castletown Commissioners in 1976, becoming Chairman in 1980 before being elected as the Castletown MHK in 1981 at his first attempt. In 2000, he was defeated in his attempt to become Speaker of the House of Keys by David Cannan but instead became the Deputy Speaker. Following the 2001 General Election, he was elected Speaker and in January 2002, Deputy President of Tynwald.
He was re-elected in November 2006 as MHK, beating Roy Redmayne by 915 votes to 335. He was again elected Speaker of the House of Keys after the General Election in 2006. There was a great deal of rumour that he might run for Chief Minister, but when nominations were put forward his name was not in the list. Then followed an unsuccessful round of voting with neither Steve Rodan, John Shimmin or David Cannan being elected. Nominations then reopened, with Tony Brown being the only candidate put forward. His nomination was confirmed by Tynwald on Thursday, 14 December 2006 receiving 27 votes and the Lieutenant Governor appointed him Chief Minister later in the day. He then resigned the Speakership of the House of Keys as required by law.
Brown was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 2013 Birthday Honours for public and political service.

Personal life

Brown has been married to Rachel since 1979, they have 2 children together and live in Brown's hometown of Castletown.

Governmental positions