He was reelected in November 2006 as MHK, beating Roy Redmayne by 915 votes to 335. 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. There was a round of voting with neither Steve Rodan, John Shimmin nor 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.