Four vacancies will arise on the Legislative Council on 28th February 2018 for a five-year term ending on 28th February 2023. A fifth vacancy will arise at the same time for a term ending on 29th February 2020. The Speaker of the House of Keys, the Hon Juan Watterson SHK, has determined under Standing Orders that an election will be held on Monday 12th March 2018, with nominations closing on Friday 23rd February 2018.

The President of Tynwald, the Hon Steve Rodan MLC, has been tasked by Tynwald with encouraging a wide variety of candidates to come forward for this election and to make the process as accessible as possible. He said:

“Tynwald should represent the community it serves. Although the Legislative Council is not directly elected by the people but indirectly elected by the House of Keys, it should nevertheless reflect as far as possible the different groups which make up the population of the Isle of Man. In this year’s elections to the Legislative Council I would like to see an increase in participation by candidates who are not already known to Members of Tynwald or who otherwise might feel less able to put themselves forward. 

In the past, Tynwald has been perceived as a “club”. I want to combat that perception and make it easy for anyone to offer themselves as a potential Member.

Ultimately it is up to the House of Keys to elect the best people for the job. For my part, I want to ensure that MHKs have the broadest possible range of candidates to choose from.”

Mr Speaker added: 

“The work of Legislative Council is important to the workings our unique parliamentary system. It is in the best interests of the whole Island that we attract a diverse range of talent to our Legislative Council to supplement those in the House of Keys.  It is refreshing that Tynwald has actively endorsed this need for diversity and to attract people who have something to offer, but take on a role with a mandate secondary to that of the Keys.”

Further particulars of the role together with information on how to stand for election may be found on the Tynwald website by following this link.

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For further information contact:
Clerk of Tynwald’s Office
Telephone: 01624 685500
Email: enquiries@tynwald.org            
Website: www.tynwald.org.im