Demoralising and disappointing - that's how the Chief Minister has described the political storm engulfing an MHK's suspension.
North Douglas representative John Houghton was expelled from Tynwald last week after failing to apologise for his conduct which was deemed to have fallen below an acceptable level:
Mr Houghton must follow Tynwald orders and apologise before he can continue in his post - so far he has refused to do so meaning he's expected to be absent from today's House of Keys sitting.
Allan Bell says that leaves the administration in "unchartered territory" adding that he still believes the matter could have been settled privately:
Politician's anger over Post Office profits and cutbacks
Number of post offices to temporarily close for a day
Minister says she can't provide update on NSC floor tiles
Afternoon ferry is next to be cancelled by weather
Difficult to compare Island's Hospice funding with UK, says minister
Mountain Road to close because of gales
New amber warning issued for tonight's storm
Police appeal over theft of building materials
