Speaker explains opposition to reform

Juan Watterson voted against removing LegCo power

The chair of a committee tasked with investigating parliamentary reform has explained why he could not support plans to strip Legislative Council members of powers to elect the chief minister.

Keys Speaker Juan Watterson was one of four to oppose a Bill earlier, alongside Geoffrey Boot, Jason Moorhouse and the chief minister himself.

But he denied his committee was moving too slowly on the recommendations set out in the Lisvane report.

Meanwhile, one member of the Legislative Council says he supports the plans set out today. 

David Cretney has in the past set himself apart from colleagues in voting for other Lisvane recommendations.

The former South Douglas MHK says change is needed in the chamber.

Mr Watterson, however, says he supports the principle of the Bill, but believes some of the detail was a hurdle: