Deputy Taylor remains DPA Vice-President

Monday 27 March 2023

A "lack of clarity" in the rules has been blamed for the recent extended controversy surrounding the 'contested' Vice-Presidency of the Development & Planning Authority.

After the Authority tried to oust Deputy Andy Taylor as its VP - under pressure from its President, Deputy Victoria Oliver - a political row gained traction and it has only just been smoothed over, after a meeting of the DPA confirmed Deputy Taylor as its true VP.

The Authority held a vote in mid-January to elect Deputy John Dyke as a replacement VP, however, it persistently remained unclear whether this action was allowed. Not only did Deputy Taylor remain in States' Blue Book as the DPA VP - following a majority for Deputy Dyke during the DPA vote, but it was confirmed to Express that the Bailiff recognised Deputy Taylor as the current VP, not Deputy Dyke.

The DPA has met several times since to try and figure out a way forward, with the latest update coming courtesy of the DPA directly.

Its statement reads as follows:

"The Development & Planning Authority has met today and members have agreed that Deputy Andrew Taylor will continue as the Vice-President of the Committee.

"The members discussed all of the advice that had been previously received, recognising that there had been a lack of clarity in the rules, which contributed to the difficulties in resolving this matter sooner.

"Today the Committee considered advice in the meeting from HM Procureur and the States Assembly & Constitution Committee and in the interest of resolving the matter, it has been agreed that Deputy Taylor is the Vice-President, and this is accepted by all members of the Committee."

Pictured: (L to R) Vice-President of the DPA, Deputy Andy Taylor, and Deputy John Dyke.