Kate Beecroft to raise matter in Tynwald

A North Douglas MHK – currently suspended from Tynwald – could face more trouble after this year’s general election.

In Tynwald next week, a question for written answer from South Douglas MHK Kate Beecroft poses a query about suspended members.

In particular, she wants to know if such a member could stand for election – and whether a law dating back to 1919 would mean they’d be thrown out of office.

Her question is to the Island’s Acting Attorney General John Quinn.

John Houghton was suspended from Tynwald in May after refusing to apologise when a report found his behaviour had fallen short of the court’s standards.

In her question, Mrs Beecroft refers to the Isle of Man Constitution Act 1919 which says any member who misses sittings for six months without permission is thrown out of office.

She wants to know whether a suspended member would fall foul of the same rule – if that were true, it would mean Mr Houghton has until November to say he’s sorry if he were to retain a seat in September’s election.