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The President of the States Committee tasked with delivering island wide voting before the 2020 election has quit - along with his Vice President, with further resignations expected.
Deputy Peter Roffey said while he wholeheartedly respects the recent referendum result - he doesn't and can't personally support island wide voting.
As President of the States Assembly and Constitution Committee, he tendered his resignation to the Bailiff, who allowed him the chance to make a personal statement during this morning's States meeting, which can be read in full here.
Deputy Roffey used that opportunity to insist that while he supports the result of the referendum, he doesn't personally think island wide voting is right for the island. He said he is not the right person to take it forward, to ensure the new system is in place by the next scheduled election in 2020, and that other deputies who do personally support an island wide voting system should "step up" and take on the responsibility of delivering it.
"I have said that I respect the result of the referendum 100% but there is a subtle difference between fully accepting a democratic decision and genuinely believing that it was a good one," he said.
"Despite remaining studiously neutral during the referendum campaign I suspect my views on island-wide voting are quite well known. I have always loved the concept in principle but felt that it had too many ingrained practical problems to make the system work well."
Pictured: Deputy Peter Roffey.
Deputy Roffey said that as well as well documented concerns over the practicalities of voting for 38 deputies out of a much larger number of candidates, he is concerned about opening the door to party politics, describing island wide voting as "a catalyst" for something he does not think will work in Guernsey.
"...although that is far from certain. I certainly hope it isn't as I am convinced the inherent negativity and adversarial nature of party politics would serve Guernsey very ill indeed and we would come to hugely regret it.
"Sir, it is human nature that no amount of respect for the outcome of the referendum can simply wipe such ingrained doubts from my head and I am utterly convinced that the public of this island, who voted for island-wide voting, deserve to see it being driven forward by a champion who not only respects the outcome - as I do - but who believes in it in their very DNA."
"I know that sitting in this assembly there are very many passionate and able advocates of island-wide voting. Some of whom have been pushing for it for many years.
"This is their moment. I say to them - don't be coy. Step up to the plate. Put your shoulders to the wheel and deliver island-wide voting for the people of Guernsey in a way that only true believers can hope to achieve."
Deputy Roffey's resignation from SACC was quickly followed by the resignation of Deputy Mark Dorey, who had been a member of the States Assembly and Constitution Committee as well.
Deputy Dorey said he had submitted his resignation letter to the Bailiff to resign from SACC saying he also respects the referendum result but he also doesn't believe in island wide voting on a personal basis.
“Whilst I respect the outcome of the referendum, I do not support Option A in which 38 Deputies are elected island-wide every four years, with electors having 38 votes," he said.
"I agree with the Electoral Reform Society’s view that all possible models for island wide voting present significant practical difficulties. I have therefore reluctantly decided it would be better for me to resign and be replaced by a Deputy who is a supporter of island-wide voting and who would be fully committed to finding a solution for the practical difficulties.”
Deputy Dorey said he had enjoyed the "challenge of being on SACC and very much appreciated the hard work of the staff serving the Committee" adding that he hopes that "experienced States Members will put themselves forward for this important Committee."
Deputies Roffey, Dorey and @Lindsay_Gsy have informed members they have resigned from SACC.
— Barry Brehaut. (@deputybaz) October 24, 2018
It is also claimed that the Vice President of SACC, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, and SACC member, Deputy Michelle Le Clerc, have resigned from their posts. That has not yet been officially confirmed.
Pictured top: Only Deputy Neil Inder remains on the States Assembly and Constitution Committee as far as we know.
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