Election day in the States

Wednesday 14 December 2022

New faces are set to join two political committees in the States today, following a string of resignations across Planning and Education.

It was confirmed yesterday by Deputy Victoria Oliver, President of the Development & Planning Authority, that Deputies Chris Blin and Christopher Le Tissier will be proposed for the two vacant seats on the Authority.

She said: “If elected, we believe they will make a valuable contribution to our mandate as we seek to act as an enabler for the economy and preserve and enhance what makes Guernsey a great place to live”.

It had been speculated that Alderney Representative Steve Roberts was being considered for a role on Education, Sport & Culture. His nomination for the job was confirmed by ESC President, Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, yesterday afternoon.

Following an open invitation for expressions of interest, Deputy Dudley-Owen said: “We are delighted to be able to nominate Mr Roberts, who if elected will provide an excellent link with the Alderney community, which will be invaluable in the work of the Committee on the review of the education law and on the interim governance model”.

Pictured: Deputies Andy Taylor and Bob Murray.

Two empty seats were created on the DPA by the resignations of Deputy Andrew Taylor, who alleged mishandling of the application for hundreds of homes at Leale’s Yard, and Deputy Bob Murray who automatically departed after ascending to the Policy & Resources Committee.

Express understands that Deputy Yvonne Burford is interested in a seat on the DPA and could stand for the position despite not being a preferred candidate of the Authority.

Deputy Murray was also the Vice President of ESC and departed that role at the same time as his departure from the DPA on his election to P&R.

Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen added: “I put out the open offer for expressions of interest to enable interested Members to learn about and discuss the current work of the Committee so that they are aware of the challenges and commitment to sitting on a Committee with such a large mandate.

“It would of course be disappointing if a Member who did not take me up on that offer suddenly threw their hat in the ring from the floor of the States.”

Deputy Aidan Matthews, who has previously been critical of ESC’s model of secondary and post-16 education, told Express earlier this week that he is considering standing from the floor of the States for the position on the Committee.