Plans to change LegCo elections published

Hopes for it to be more like a 'conventional recruitment process'

The way Members of the Legislative Council are elected could be about to change.

A new report’s made recommendations after a review of the procedure was requested last year.

The Legislative Council is primarily a scrutiny body which reviews new laws.

At the moment potential MLCs need the support of at least two Members of the House of Keys.

However, it's said that this has meant former MHKs are more likely to be elected as they are better known.

Now the Standing Orders Committee is proposing to make it more like a conventional recruitment process.

It's suggesting all candidates should fill in an application form and submit a CV to the Secretary of the House for consideration without having to make contact with any MHKs first.

If that application was valid, they would be invited to a “meet and greet” event where they would have the opportunity to meet members and try and garner support in a more formal way.

Only then would viable candidates be able to seek proposers and seconders.

The proposals need to be debated by the House of Keys although it's not known when that will be yet.

If agreed, they'll come into effect immediately.

It would mean this system would be in place for the next scheduled MLC elections in March 2025, or sooner in the event of a casual vacancy arising.