New bid could restructure political system in 2011

The Legislative Council is the equivalent to the British House of Lords or the US Senate

A new bill to restructure island politics could be considered before next year's general election.

MLC David Callister is planning to put forward a proposal to have the Legislative Council popularly elected.

The Legislative Council is the upper chamber of Tynwald and currently eight of the eleven members are elected in a secret ballot by the House of Keys.

Other members are the president of Tynwald, the bishop of Sodor and Man and the island's attorney general.

Mr Callister said: "I have consulted with all of the members of the House of Keys and my plan is to bring the bill forward next year, before the general election".