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The planned ballot to select the next President of the States of Alderney has been cancelled, with William Tate duly elected unopposed after the second candidate withdrew just hours before hand.
Jack Gates had surprised some by standing for the role, as he had said he didn't intend to produce a manifesto outlining his aims.
Instead, in a post on a social media group for Alderney residents, which has since been deleted, Mr Gates said he didn't see the point in a manifesto as it wasn't a political role.
He was accused of standing for election as President for a 'joke' and he responded in the now deleted post by saying that the wanted to represent younger voters by challenging the status quo.
Mr Gates has also now said he faced abuse on the streets of Alderney and that helped him decide to withdraw from the election on Friday, less than a day before the polling station was due to open.
Pictured: William Tate has been elected President of the States of Alderney unopposed.
In a statement, the States of Alderney said:
"At 16:23 on the 21st June the States of Alderney received notice of withdrawal by Jack William Gates from the Presidential By-election."
Mr Gates was quoted as saying:
“It is with deep regret I have decided to withdraw from the election. With work commitments I think the role as president would be too much and I wouldn’t be able to fully commit to the position.
"I have also received abuse in the street and on social media I didn’t realise this is what was involved in the democracy of Alderney."
Mr Gates also revealed his continuing ambitions to stand for the States of Alderney, adding;
"Sorry if it seems I have wasted your time, however when a position arises as a states member I will consider running for that instead.
"I wish William Tate every success especially if he has to deal with the kind of backlash I have received for attempting to make a difference.”
Mr Tate and Mr Gates were the only two candidates, meaning Mr Tate is now elected unopposed to fulfil the remainder of the term left vacant by the resignation of the previous President of the States of Alderney, Stuart Trought, who formally stood down last month.
Pictured: Stuart Trought stood down as President of the States of Alderney last month.
The declaration was made today, under The States of Alderney Election Procedure Ordinance, 1987 which 'allows for the withdrawal of a candidate at any time before the appointed day of election. Under Section 30. (3) of the Government of Alderney Law, the number of candidates is not greater than the number of vacancies to be filled and therefore the election will not now take place on 22nd June.'
Andrew Suter, the Chief Executive of the States of Alderney confirmed Mr Tate's election as President earlier.
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