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First-time deputies Simon Vermeulen and Bob Murray have secured the vice-presidencies of two of the States' most significant committees.
Deputy Vermeulen has been elected as Deputy Rob Prow's second-in-command on Home Affairs, while Deputy Murray will serve as Deputy Andrea Dudley Owen's right hand man on Education, Sport & Culture.
The appointments further increase the Guernsey Party's influence in the Assembly, after the group made inroads into several key positions in last month's committee elections.
Deputy Prow, who is in his second term in the States, said Deputy Vermeulen's experience as a hotelier would provide valuable insight into the front-line impact of Guernsey's population management regime.
"I am certain he will bring enthusiasm and determination to the role. Simon is well-known in the community from his work in the hospitality sector so will have insight that will be particularly helpful regarding the Population Management part of our mandate. We have a lot of important work to complete this term and I’m delighted with the expertise throughout the Committee."
Pictured: Deputy Rob Prow was the Head of the Guernsey Border Agency before entering local politics.
Deputy Vermeulen has also been elected to Economic Development and is anticipating a busy start to his time in local politics.
"The Home Affairs Committee’s mandate is large and varied, and I’m looking forward to playing my part as we deliver on the many different areas of our work as a committee," he said. "Gaining seats on this committee and the Committee for Economic Development was my priority after the election, so I am both delighted and ready for the challenges they will bring."
His Guernsey Party compatriot Deputy Murray was appointed as ESC's Vice-President at that committee's first meeting.
"I’m really pleased to have gained the early support of my colleagues. We have the makings of a great team with diverse skills, backgrounds and experience," he said.
"While education has in recent years garnered much of the headlines we are all committed to ensuring sport and culture receive the focus they deserve. I’m looking forward to playing my part as we get stuck into the many different areas of our work as a committee."
Deputy Dudley-Owen added: "We have so much important work to do, once we’ve understandably taken the time needed to get up to speed, and Bob’s experience and enthusiasm will be a great support. Bob is a skilled communicator and that, in particular, will be a key ability he can bring to the table as we develop each of the education, sport and culture elements of our mandate."
Pictured top: Deputies Simon Vermeulen and Bob Murray.
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