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A commissioner says if 16-year-olds are able to vote for politicians, they should at least be able to become politicians.

 

At present you must be at least 18 if you want to stand for the House of Keys, or a local authority.

 

Andrew Jessopp says the climate acitivism shown by young people on the Island demonstrates they’d be ‘a real asset’ in local politics.

 

The chairman of Braddan Commissioners believes allowing 16-year-olds to become lawmakers should’ve been included in a consultation on Manx elections.

 

The survey does however ask if the minimum age for entering the Legislative Council should be changed from 21 to 18, to bring it in line with the lower branch of Tynwald

 

Mr Jessopp explained to Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne why he feels if you’re allowed to vote, you should be allowed to stand.

 

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas has also given his response.

 

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