The hunt is on for new Members of the Legislative Council.

There are two vacancies in Tynwald’s upper branch following the election of Kate Lord-Brennan and Jane Poole-Wilson to the House of Keys last month.

Their replacements will sit in Legislative Council until February 28, 2023.

MLCs are members of Tynwald and shape laws, often in a revising role. They can also be members of government departments.

The election will be the first item of business at the sitting of the House of Keys at 10am on November 23.

Nominations are now open.

The President of Tynwald, the Laurence Skelly MLC, said: ’Tynwald should be representative of the community it serves.

’Legislative Council is elected by the House of Keys not the island’s electorate, nevertheless it should reflect as far as possible the different groups which make up the population of the Isle of Man.

’The Legislative Council has previously led the way in beginning to increase diversity and once again participation by candidates who are not already known to Members of Tynwald or who otherwise might feel less able to put themselves forward is encouraged.

’Ultimately it is up to the House of Keys to elect the best people for the job.

’For my part, I want to ensure that MHKs have the broadest possible range of candidates to choose from, and will be happy to speak to anyone who wishes to find out more about any aspect of the role.’

The Speaker of the House of Keys, Juan Watterson, said: ’Members of the Legislative Council who, unlike the House of Keys, do not have specific constituency responsibilities, undertake an important role in our unique parliamentary system; work includes scrutiny of legislation and government, taking part in debates in Legislative Council and Tynwald and often work in Government Departments and on parliamentary committees.

’These vacancies have been created following the election of two former MLCs to the House of Keys, a strong endorsement of the contribution both individuals made to the work of Tynwald. I know that the Keys will be seeking a strong field from which to select two new Members to play an active part in shaping the future of our island.’

Details of how to stand for election and contact details for the President of Tynwald are on the Tynwald website.