Bill halted for public consultation on bishop's future in Tynwald

The bill's progress in the House of Keys has been adjourned until a public consultation is carried out

A private members' bill to remove the bishop's right to vote in Tynwald has been adjourned while a public consultation is carried out.

The Constitution Bill 2023 was put on hold in the House of Keys on Tuesday.

Calling for the adjournment, Rob Callister MHK said ahead of any constitutional change it was vital the Manx public "had their say".

The consultation will now need to be completed before MHK Lawrie Hooper's bill can progress.

A report on the findings of the consultation will also need to be submitted to the House of Keys before any further developments.

Call for clarity

Mr Callister said there could be "potential unknown consequences" of removing the traditional role of the bishop in the parliament.

Referring to a letter from the Archbishop of York, which he said it warned removing the bishop's vote in Tynwald "would significantly undermine the case for Sodor and Man being a separate diocese".

"The Church of England could take the opportunity to remove the ancient role of the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man from the Isle of Man altogether," Mr Callister said.

However, Tim Johnston MHK called for clarity from the church on a definitive stance on whether the diocese of Sodor and Man would be in jeopardy or not.

He said politicians needed a "clear understanding" from the church "on the consequences of the removal of the vote".

This call was echoed by other MHKs including Clare Barber and Jane Poole-Wilson.

But Mr Hooper said: "The decision whether to retain a bishop or not is a matter for church, it's not a matter for us".

The responsibility now lies with the bill's mover to undertake a public consultation and report on its findings.

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