Call to remove bishop's right to vote in Isle of Man's parliament

The bishop automatically has a seat on the Legislative Council and a vote in Tynwald

An MHK is set to ask for support to introduce a law change that would remove the bishop's vote in Tynwald.

Lawrie Hooper said the private members bill reflected the views expressed by politicians during a debate in June.

The bishop automatically holds a seat in the Legislative Council and has voting rights in Tynwald.

Mr Hooper said while the bid was thrown out earlier this year, the majority of the House of Keys were in favour of removing the bishop's right to vote.

The Right Reverend Peter Eagles retired from the role in October, and the search for his successor has begun.

On his retirement, Bishop Eagles said the post holder's vote created a "spiritual voice in to public life" and meant the feelings of those in the minority could be "recorded in the democratic process".

But Mr Hooper said removing the vote but not the bishop's seat would allow the court to "keep his perspective" without compromising the democratic process.

Lawrie Hooper said the bishop's right to vote went against his concept of democracy

Mr Hooper said having a system whereby people were appointed into positions of "power and authority" went against the "concept of what a democracy should be".

"If we are to represent the people of the island they should have a say in who we are, which means going out and canvassing and getting them to vote for us," he said.

"If the bishop wants to represent people in Tynwald, he can go and get elected like the rest of us."

Mr Hooper also said he would translate the bill's title into Manx Gaelic as part of efforts to broaden the use of the language "by embedding it in public documentation".

He will seek leave to introduce a private members bill on the issues in the House of Keys on Tuesday.

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