Politicians have been debating massive changes to the Island’s democracy in the House of Keys today.
Three members brought forward different constitution bills to alter the way Legislative Council members are elected.
Eventually, Middle MHK Martyn Quayle won through with his proposal for eight constituency MLCs.
His bill will now be discussed further next month but faces opposition from some MHKS.
Mr Quayle’s idea of having eight constituencies which elect MLCs was criticised as creating, in effect, super-MHKs.
These would be elected with larger votes than members of the House of Keys, giving them a stronger public mandate.
Onchan MHK Peter Karran had suggested one Island-wide poll two years after Keys elections which would put eight MLCs into power, but this was rejected this afternoon.
Similarly, Michael MHK David Cannan’s idea of having a 32-member House of Keys with no Legislative Council at all was voted down.
The issue will be put to the Keys again on May 8th.
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