The Bishop would retain his vote if the latest plans for a publicly elected Legislative Council were approved.

This week MHKs debated several clauses of the Constitution Bill, and voted in favour of creating eight constituencies.

Speaking against the plans, Castletown MHK Tony Brown said Council members with much larger constituencies would lead to a more powerful body than the House of Keys.

The change in legislature is being championed by Middle MHK Martyn Quayle.

He says despite the changes, the Bishop will remain an influential part of the upper chamber (audio file attached):

(Picture: The Bishop, the Right Reverend Graeme Knowles).