MHK wants chief minister election

Chief Minister Tony Brown was elected in 2006

People on the Isle of Man would be given the right to elect their chief minister under proposals being put forward by one island politician.

The chief minister has been chosen by members of Tynwald following national elections since the mid 1980s.

But South Douglas MHK Bill Malarkey wants to bring forward a bill which could see the process carried out by universal suffrage.

He is seeking permission to introduce the bill in the House of Keys.

The private members bill would amend the Council of Ministers Act 1990 and the Representation of the People Act 1995, according to the Keys order paper.

It would make "fresh provision with regard to the election of the Chief Minister of the Isle of Man by universal suffrage at the next House of Keys General Election".

The Isle of Man general election is held every five years, during which candidates are elected to the House of Keys.

Elected Members of the House of Keys subsequently vote for their choice of Chief Minister.

Current chief Tony Brown was elected in 2006 and the next election is due in 2011.