The public could get the opportunity to vote on whether to have one legislative assembly, rather than the present system of the House of Keys and an unelected upper chamber.

Douglas MHK Chris Thomas is appealing to Tynwald to support a referendum on the issue. He wants to see it take place next year.

In Tynwald this month, Mr Thomas will call for support for an independent review of the branches of Tynwald and to consider options for reform, including the establishment of a directly-elected unicameral Tynwald. He wants his parliamentary colleagues to endorse the holding of a referendum in 2016.

His move follows last week's failure by members of the House of Keys to fill two seats in the Legislative council. Another round of voting will now take place. To win a seat in the Legislative Council, candidates need to secure 13 votes from MHKs in a secret ballot.

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