Two MHKs have condemned the passage of a bill removing the Bishop’s vote in Tynwald, warning it risks the island’s unique diocese and identity.
The private member’s bill, promoted by Lawrie Hooper, was passed by a narrow majority in the House of Keys on Tuesday.
Tim Glover MHK stated his firm opposition, saying, like Rob Callister had already said, he would not sign the bill.
He called the vote “a very disturbing result which many people have expressed real disappointment and dismay at to me in the last few days”.
Mr Glover said he could understand why people wanted to remove the Bishop’s vote but now fears for the diocese.
“I understand the debate about an unelected person by way of a job they get not having the right to a vote, but not at the really possible loss of the diocese of Sodor and Mann.”
“It seemed more a case of digging heals in and voting for ideological reasons to get a win rather than a responsible vote on what is best for the Island,” he added.
Frustration
Glenfaba & Peel MHK Kate Lord-Brennan, who also opposed the bill, said public feedback had been strong. “The frustration I hear most is simply ‘why are MHKs focusing on this at all?’”
She argued the move showed “clear disregard for Manx culture, history, values and communities, for no real benefit.”
The vote, she said, was “driven more by inward-looking, self-interested and theoretical arguments than by wider public concern”.
Both MHKs noted the issue could now become an election matter.
Mr Glover said: “A future House of Keys could vote to reverse this situation if a majority of like-minded people get elected. The opponents have now made this an election issue later this year.”
Ms Lord-Brennan added: “This was not change driven by desperate need or demand.”