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Change to way Chief Minister is appointed moves step closer

Bill proposes only Keys can vote

Future Chief Ministers may no longer need votes from members of the Legislative Council to be elected.

That's after Michael MHK Alfred Cannan gained support to introduce a bill, calling on the Chief Minister to be appointed solely by members of the House of Keys, as opposed to the whole of Tynwald.

 

The move would mean non-publicly elected politicians would not get a vote.

 

South Douglas MHK Bill Malarkey added his support saying he was alarmed that 24 members who had the mandate of the public had the same voting rights as eight members who didn't.

 

When current Chief Minister Allan Bell was elected in October 2011, he received 21 out of 24 votes in the Keys and unanimous backing in the Legislative Council.

 

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare was the sole opponent to Mr Cannan's motion.

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