Legislative Council of the Isle of Man
The Legislative Council (Manx: Yn Choonceil Slattyssagh) is the upper chamber of Tynwald, the legislature of the Isle of Man. The abbreviation "LegCo" is often used.
Legislative Council Yn Choonceil Slattyssagh | |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Type | of the Tynwald |
| Leadership | |
Laurence Skelly since 20 July 2021 | |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 11 |
Political groups |
|
| Elections | |
| Indirect election by the House of Keys | |
| Meeting place | |
| Chamber of the Legislative Council, Legislative Buildings, Douglas | |
| Website | |
| www.tynwald.org.im/council | |
It consists of eleven members (MLCs):
- Eight members elected by the House of Keys
- Three ex officio members:
- President of Tynwald, ex officio President of the Legislative Council (casting vote)
- Bishop of Sodor and Man
- Attorney General for the Isle of Man (non-voting)
Historically, most or all elected MLCs were former MHKs, but this practice has now much reduced or ceased.
Formerly, the Lieutenant Governor presided over the Legislative Council and over Tynwald Court (a joint session of the Council and the House of Keys). Now, however, the President of Tynwald, who is chosen by the whole Tynwald for a five-year term, is the ex officio President of the Legislative Council, and presides over both the Legislative Council and Tynwald Court, except that the Lieutenant Governor presides once a year on Tynwald Day.
Furthermore, the Church of England Bishop of Sodor and Man and the Attorney General have seats on the Legislative Council. The Bishop is a voting member, the Attorney General is a non-voting member, and the President has the casting vote.
The Council does not usually originate legislation; most of the time, it reviews draft legislation originating in the House of Keys. However, it is possible for legislation to originate in the Council: a recent example is the Equality Act 2017.