The chief minister of the Isle of Man is attending the State Opening of the UK Parliament for the first time in a move he said would “strengthen” relationships with Westminster.

Alfred Cannan, along with the leaders of Jersey and Guernsey, was invited to attend the ceremony by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

The invitations were the first of their kind given to representatives from the Crown Dependencies.

Mr Cannan said it would give the island an “early opportunity to engage” with new MPs following the UK general election.

The ceremony’s showpiece is the Kings’ Speech, which outline’s the UK government’s plans for the coming year.

Mr Canann said the island’s relationship with Westminster would “naturally” take on a “new dimension now that Labour is in power”.

“I look forward to continuing to demonstrate the contribution the Isle of Man makes to the UK,” he said.

Mr Cannan also praised Sir Lindsay for inviting representatives from the three islands to be present.

“As Speaker, he has done a tremendous amount to ensure that the unique constitutional status of the Crown Dependencies is better recognised and understood,” he said.

“It has helped us to strengthen relationships with both the UK parliament and government as a part of the wider British family.”

Mr Cannan has been granted a leave of absence from Wednesday’s sitting of Tynwald for the trip.