Applications are being invited from people who would like to join the unelected branch of Tynwald.
The Legislative Council, which is chosen by MHKs, will have four seats come available in February at the end of the current members’ terms.
Coming with a nice salary of £71,659 (which will increase in line with the CSP pay rises), members can also join the pension scheme and receive a Colin the Caterpillar cake from the Chief Constable on their birthday (I might have made that bit up).
Speaker Juan Watterson said: “The election in March 2025 will follow a revised procedure for elections to the Legislative Council. It is recognised and welcomed that in recent years several applicants who were previously unknown to Tynwald have come forward to apply for election, and those elected have made a valuable contribution.
“The revised procedure should look and feel like a conventional recruitment process, and I hope this will feel more accessible to those who are less familiar with Tynwald’s rules and procedures. Importantly, however, the procedure will ensure that applicants are subject to the necessary public and political scrutiny before election.
“Interested parties should refer to the Guidance for Candidates on the Tynwald website. The Guidance includes the “Job Description” for an MLC, which sets out Legislative Council’s fundamental and valuable role within Tynwald, supporting their directly elected colleagues in the House of Keys.
“I look forward to having the opportunity of choosing from a strong field of candidates in March.”
Process
Unlike in previous years where candidates had to seek out nominations, it has now changed, with people having to apply, then be nominated.
Eligible applicants must submit a completed application form and a CV to the Secretary of the House of Keys before the application deadline, which is Thursday January 9 2025 at 12pm.
All applicants who have submitted a valid application will be invited to attend an Applicants’ Conference, which will be held on Friday January 24 at 2pm, where only MHKs, officers of the House and applicants may attend.
In order for an application to proceed to the next stage, a Member of the House of Keys must propose the applicant by submitting a proposal to the Secretary of the House of Keys before the deadline for proposals, which is Thursday February 13.
The proposal must be seconded by a Member of the House of Keys and also be supported by at least two other MHKs.
Nominations will be made public and there will then be hustings and a vote in the Keys to determine who wins the golden tickets.
5 Comments