Goulden to be honoured with statue

Tynwald endorses plans

Tynwald has today endorsed a plan to build a statue in Laxey, which would honour a key figure in the women's suffrage movement.

Sophia Goulden, who was born in Lonan, also campaigned against the Corn Laws and slavery whilst living in Manchester.

She is also the mother of the famous suffragette, Emmeline Pankhurst.

The £70,000 cost of the statue would be met through donations, with the whole idea being put forward by the Friends of Sophia Goulden charity.

The motion was approved, despite the reluctance of the Council of Ministers to be seen to be supporting a specific campaign.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas's attempt to change the wording of the motion was rejected by members.