House of Keys

The House of Keys is the directly elected Branch of Tynwald. The House is considered to have its origins in the early medieval period, when it operated as a self‑selecting body before becoming popularly elected in 1867. It has comprised twenty‑four Members—known as ‘Keys’ or 'MHKs'—since about 1156, although the number and arrangement of constituencies have changed over time. The name is traditionally understood to derive from the Manx for twenty‑four, kiare‑as‑feed.

The House of Keys sits in public each week on a Tuesday from 10am except on the third Tuesday of the month and during recess periods (sitting dates can be found here). The sitting may begin with up to an hour of Questions followed by the principal business of the House, which is the consideration of legislation. By convention Bills are usually introduced first in the House of Keys before being considered by the Legislative Council. The procedure in the House of Keys is controlled by the Speaker in accordance with Standing Orders.

The House of Keys is also responsible for electing the Chief Minister and the eight indirectly elected Members of the Legislative Council.

More information about the work, procedures and membership of the House of Keys can be found here.

House of Keys Business

Recent order papers, question papers, votes and proceedings and Hansard for House of Keys can be accessed directly from the lists below. 

Order Papers and Question Papers

Hansards

Votes and Proceedings

House of Keys Presiding Officers

The Speaker is the principal officer of the House. The Speaker is elected by the Members from amongst their number at the first sitting of the House after a General Election. From earliest times the Speaker has been the spokesman of the House and the defender of its privileges, in particular in Tynwald Court. As the presiding officer of the House he remains impartial. He is responsible for controlling the procedure of the House and for authoritative interpretation of its Standing Orders. In the case of a tied vote on a division he has a casting vote.

The Speaker also has extensive powers and duties in respect of the business of the House and authorises the order of business of the House for each sitting.

The Speaker also has some other rather unusual rights. In addition to his casting vote, he is entitled to vote as a member in divisions and usually does so, although, reflecting the impartiality of his Office, unlike the other Members present he may abstain. He is also entitled to participate in debate, but again in the interest of maintaining the impartiality of the Office of Speaker this right is rarely exercised.

The Deputy Speaker is elected by the members from amongst their number. He or she serves as the presiding officer in the absence of Mr Speaker. The current Deputy Speaker is Ann Corlett MHK, who was elected on the 27th February 2024.

House of Keys Chamber

House of Keys Chamber

The historic seat of the Manx Legislature and Executive was in Castletown. There the House of Keys met in Castle Rushen until 1706. In 1709 they moved to a building on the east side of the Castle. This was used until 1818 when, due to its disrepair, the Keys retired to the George Inn which they termed "highly improper" for a body of "so much importance".

A new building was subsequently erected on the old site of the Keys building and this was used until 1874, though from the 1860s the Keys had transferred most of their sittings to Douglas and met in the former Douglas Court House. The Court House proved too small and in 1879 the Keys moved to the present building which was part of the premises of the Bank of Mona and was acquired from the liquidator of the Bank for £3,700. After some refurbishment, the first sitting in this Chamber took place on 2nd December 1881. The House of Keys Chamber is situated in what was the main banking hall of the Bank of Mona, directly below the Legislative Council Chamber. The remainder of the building, including the distinctive "wedding cake" was, and remains, a part of Government Offices.

The present Chamber has undergone many alterations. The seating arrangement that had been in use since 1932 has been replaced following the 2016 General Election to reflect the new twelve constituencies.

In the desk in front of the Chaplain's seat is a book containing the names of all known members of the House from 1417.

The snuff box on the Speaker's desk dates from 1863. In earlier times when Members sat around a large table the snuff box was circulated. It is ornamented from the horns of a Loaghtan ram; Loaghtan sheep are a native Manx breed. The snuff box is still kept filled for the use of Members.

Around the walls of the Chamber hang portraits of former Speakers.

Members of the House of Keys