The Manx Labour Party says it firmly backs calls to ban anonymous trusts funding would-be MHKs.

It has made the statement as part of its submission to a review body set up by the Council of Ministers, to examine the issue of election funding.

In a letter, the party says the idea that blind trusts, such as those behind Kevin Woodford's unsuccessful bid to become an MHK earlier this year, can fund candidates runs counter to having an open democracy.

By contrast, the party outlines the way its members fund its activities.

Jason Roberts reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

The letter, sent by the party's best known politician, David Cretney MHK, says the MLP firmly opposes blind trusts being involved in elections.

Also in the submission are calls for candidates to make voluntary declarations of interest, and upper limits on the amount people can spend on their election campaigns.

Mr Cretney also raises the issue of advertising, saying candidates should be allowed to pay for airtime on Manx Radio, something currently banned by law.

The review body is currently considering submissions before making recommendations to the Council of Ministers later this year.