Barclays may continue Sark fight

The Barclay brothers bought the island of Brecqhou in 1993

The billionaire Barclay brothers may continue their fight over electoral reform on the Channel Island of Sark.

Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, from the neighbouring island of Brecqhou dispute two unelected posts.

The Appeal Court ruled the dual role of seneschal - as judge and president of the government - breached human rights, but refused to quash a Reform Law.

Advocate Gordon Dawes, who represents the Barclays, said the brothers may now take the issue to the House of Lords.

Sark's feudal system will end on 10 December, when 28 conseillers will be democratically elected to the island's government, the Chief Pleas.

At the ruling in London on Tuesday, Lord Justice Pill, sitting with Lords Justices Jacob and Etherton, suggested the seneschal should withdraw from his role as president of the Chief Pleas to comply with international laws.

However, they added that as neither the seneschal nor seigneur had voting rights, there was "obvious merit" in allowing Sark newly-elected parliament to consider what further reforms were needed in future.

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