New MLC registers interests after missing Tynwald deadline

Failure to meet deadline breaks Standing Orders set out in Tynwald's parliamentary rulebook

Newly-elected Legislative Council member Peter Reid failed to register his personal interests within the timeframe set out in Tynwald’s Standing Orders.

Under parliamentary rules, members must declare all existing interests within one month of their election.

An interest is defined as a personal reason for undertaking an official role or having a stake within a business, society, or other organisation, which could impact the way in which they carry out their duties in parliament.

Mr Reid was elected on 4 March 2025, making the deadline 4 April.

However, his declaration was only submitted on 7 April after Manx Radio approached him for comment.

In a brief statement, he wrote: "My members interests have been submitted and I understand this will be in the process of being updated to the website."

In his first sitting as an MLC, Mr Reid voted in favour of requiring all future Legislative Council candidates to declare their interests prior to the election.

By contrast, fellow newly-elected MLCs Gary Clueit and Kirstie Morphet submitted their declarations on time.

In August 2024, a Manx Radio investigation highlighted widespread delays in the registration of interests by Tynwald members.

Since that report was published, all declarations had been submitted within the required timeframe - until now.

Tynwald members are required to publish their interests to ensure both political colleagues and the public are aware of any external factors that could create a conflict of interest.

Manx Radio contacted the Clerk of Tynwald - who is "responsible for maintaining the register [of members’ interests] and for giving effect to the rules" - for a statement.

The Clerk of Tynwald declined to comment.