The Isle of Man could have had its first openly-gay bishop if he wasn’t turned down in a secret vote.

Bishop Robert Paterson retired last November after eight years as head of the Anglican church in the island.

Like him, his successor will have a political role, having a vote in Tynwald as member of the Legislative Council.

It has been revealed that Jeffrey John, dean of St Albans Cathedral, was put forward for the post in February, but failed to make it onto the shortlist.

According to The Guardian, his name was considered by the Crown Nominations Commission, an appointment body of 14 people chaired by Archbishop of York John Sentamu and including representatives of the General Synod and from the island’s diocese.

An open vote confirmed the panel had no objection to John’s sexuality and long-term civil partnership with Anglican priest Grant Holmes.

But in subsequent secret ballots his name failed to win enough support to ensure a place on a shortlist for interview.

John’s losing out on the island vacancy is the seventh time he has been passed over for promotion to the bishopric.

Last month he accused the Anglican Church in Wales of homophobia after he was rejected for a job as Bishop of Llandaff.

A spokesperson for the Church of England said: ’We do not comment on Crown Nominations Commission business.

’We would resist strongly any suggestion that selections for senior appointments are influenced by the sexuality of candidates.’

iomtoday.co.im has established that a new Bishop of Sodor and Man has been appointed and an announcement is expected soon.