Committee to look at impact of removing bishop's vote

A new parliamentary committee has been tasked with further investigating whether the bishop should lose his vote.

Yesterday (25 June) in the Legislative Council MLC Bill Henderson called for the Isle of Man Constitution Bill 2023 to be referred to a committee.

He said he hoped this would provide a "chance to look at the topic in more depth" and better understand the potential impact on the Upper House.

Fellow MLC Kerry Sharpe suggested that removing the bishop's vote could be part of the "natural evolution of Tynwald" and expressed reluctance to support the committee's establishment.

No deadline has been set for the committee of three to report back - only that any report be completed 'as soon as practicable'.

It was a point queried by MLC Diane Kelsey.

Mr Henderson explained that this terminology was 'deliberate' to ensure the report's conclusions were not rushed.

MLC Dawn Kinnish agreed with Mr Henderson's approach stating: "We should take our time to achieve the right outcome".

Mr Henderson, who is against the removal of the bishop's vote, was asked if this could be seen as a stalling tactic: