Legislative elections could have knock-on political effect

Could next week’s Legislative Council election spark a flurry of political activity around the Island?

A former MLC says with three MHKs among those vying for the four vacant seats, there is the real possibility of a by-election just over a year before next September’s general election.

David Callister - who was an MLC from 2008 to 2013 - says that could mean would-be Tynwald members bidding to serve for a very short term or keeping their powder dry until campaigning for the general election.

He says that could weigh heavily on the minds of LegCo candidates – and those who nominated them.