Between January 4 and February 29, a public consultation ran on whether the Lord Bishop should have a vote Tynwald or in the Legislative Council.
In total 2,934 people responded and as a result 51% said that the Lord Bishop should remain a Member of Tynwald, but their right to vote should be removed.
In respect of Prayers before sittings, again 52% were in favour of Prayers being removed, but 48% disagreed.
Bishop’s vote
Lawrie Hooper, MHK has completed and published his Consultation response document in respect of the Constitution Bill 2023.
The Bill could see the Lord Bishop remain a Member of Tynwald and Legislative Council, but cease to have voting rights in Tynwald or in the Legislative Council.
Twelve people felt that the Lord Bishop should retain his vote but be removed as a Member of Tynwald.
Commenting on the publication of Hoopers response document, Onchan MHK, Rob Callister said: “If we are to make major constitutional changes to the way that the Manx Parliament works, then I personally feel there has to be a significant outcry for change, which clearly hasn’t been demonstrated in this public consultation.
“I think the report also highlights the fact that people want this administration to focus on delivering the core objectives within the island plan, and not on personal agendas which clearly do not have overwhelming support from the Manx Public.
“Again, I would welcome the views of Onchan Constituents ahead of the Clauses Stage of the Bill in a couple of weeks.”
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