Deputy calls for “healthy” committee reshuffles

Wednesday 19 July 2023

A former Chief Minister thinks shaking up the membership of States committees midway through the political term should be reintroduced to keep politicians “honest”.

Deputy Lyndon Trott’s comments came as States members debated Policy & Resources' ‘mid-term Government Work Plan reset’, which aims to refocus States business over the next two years, and was approved by deputies.

But Deputy Trott said the discussion on resets ignored the “midterm reset of committee memberships” which was done in previous governments.

“I have made this point on a number of previous occasions, and when I first came into the States there was a midterm process, and it was a very healthy process,” he said.

“I'd argue it kept us honest where members were able to challenge other members for places on committees and importantly, members were able to drop off and maybe challenge elsewhere.

“It was a healthy process and one that I would have back tomorrow.”

Deputy Trott called on the States Assembly & Constitution Committee, which has responsibility for States rules and procedures, to “give that matter the attention it deserves”.

Under the current system, deputies are elected to positions on committees by other politicians at the start of the political term through secret ballots.

They remain in those positions until the end of the term, only exiting roles before that by resigning.