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Constituency change laws now in hands of Legco

 

Changes to House of Keys constituency boundaries are now in the hands of the Legislative Council.

 

The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill has successfully passed its third reading in Keys today.

 

It means we're a step closer to having twelve two seat constituencies.

 

At the clauses stage last week there was an attempt by three members, Rushen MHKs Juan Watterson and Phil Gawne and Onchan MHK Peter Karran to significantly amend the legislation, all but one minor amendment failed to get through.

 

Today 18 members voted in favour of the third reading - five against.

 

They were David Quirk, Zac Hall, John Houghton, Bill Henderson and Juan Watterson.

 

Mr Gawne seconded the third reading to show that last week's amendments were not in any way fuelled by self interest.

 

Geoff Corkish MLC will be taking the bill through Legco, and if it passes there without a hitch the changes will definitely be in place in time for the 2016 election.

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