Allan Bell, formerly in charge of the treasury and economic development for the Isle of Man government, has been elected chief minister by parliament.
A member of parliament for 27 years, Bell takes over for Tony Brown, who has retired from politics.
Since December 2001, when he became treasury minister, Bell has been instrumental in establishing the island’s online gaming, film and space industries.
His approach to government finances and stability has helped the island maintain its “AAA” rating from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.
During the PokerStars incident in May, Bell pointed out the strengths of the Isle of Man as a licensing jurisdiction, saying, “The Isle of Man government policy is to provide a well-regulated jurisdiction for online gambling businesses and the Isle of Man is recognized as a first-class jurisdiction for remote gambling.”
