Peter Karran, who had been canvassing support from MHKs, has been thwarted in this attempt to join the Legislative Council.

The deadline for nominations to the council closed on Friday at midday.

Current MHKs had received letters in their pigeonholes in government buildings saying that Mr Karran wanted to make a comeback.

The former firebrand Onchan MHK left political life in 2016, retiring from the House of Keys.

He had been an MHK since 1981, first as a member of the Labour Party. He went on to found and lead Liberal Vannin.

In his campaign to become an MLC, he described himself as an elder statesman.

To win a nomination, candidates have to secure support from MHKs, one to nominate, one to second and two to support.

Four seats are up for grabs on the Legislative Council.

Those standing are Kirrie Anne Jenkins, Conor Keenan, Dawn Kinnish, Peter Reid, Marie Birtles, Gary Clueit, Brian Brumby and David Prictor.

Hoping to win back their seats are Diane Kelsey, Tanya August-Hanson and Paul Craine.

Members of the Legislative Council are lawmakers, helping to frame and pass legislation.

They are also Members of Tynwald and vote on government policy issues.

They all voted in favour of the Budget last week, for example.

Not one of the candidates has experience in the Keys.

In the past, most were former MHKs. But that has changed as power has shifted to the Keys.

At the beginning of the ministerial system in the mid-1980s, ministers were drawn from the Keys and LegCo. Now it’s just from the Keys.

MLCs are also now paid less than MHKs.

The basic pay is £67,603, while MHKs’ basic is £71,610.

MHKs vote for MLCs and the election will take place on March 14.

The successful candidates will serve until February 29, 2028.