Guernsey to the polls?

Friday 20 October 2023

Guernsey could be heading for an early election after the senior committee failed to convince the States that the island needs a consumption tax to pay for all of its outgoings.

Deputy Peter Ferbrache said this evening, shortly after the States ended a four day meeting on the Funding and Investment Plan, that the government is at an impasse.

Speaking to the BBC, the Policy and Resources President said:

"What we are going to seek to do is seek an early election if the States so decides, because we are at an impasse. 

"Whoever is in charge if there is such a thing in Guernsey politics, which I don't think there is, is not able to do anything, we need an election and the public can then vote...."

Guernsey’s Chief Minister says proposals are set to be submitted for an early general election. pic.twitter.com/OJjOQxVLLY

— BBC Guernsey (@BBCGuernsey) October 20, 2023

Above: BBC Guernsey shared the above video on X shortly after the close of this week's States meeting.

Guernsey's next island wide election - the second to be held - is scheduled for June 2025.

If the island were to go to an early election it would be unprecedented in modern times.

It would also require some heavy lifting politically to take such a motion through the States.

The prospect of an early election is thought to require an overwhelming majority needed to secure it - as opposed to the simple majority of one needed for other States propositions - and then Privy council approval. Those two actions could take months to achieve in themselves. 

Pictured: There were some light moments during this week's States debate but the lasting mood felt by P&R is one of defeat.

Elections come under the remit of the States Assembly and Constitution Committee, chaired by Deputy Carl Meerveld - one of the most vocal opponents to a goods and services tax.

This week, P&R failed to convince the States that GST was needed for a second time this year.

With a financial deficit of £100million per year facing the island, P&R wanted to bring in the consumption tax to pay for vital infrastructure which includes the second phase of planned development work at the hospital.

P&R had said a GST of 5% (or 6% if food were excluded) to be brought in from 2026 was the only viable way of ensuring the island's books could be balanced without huge levels of borrowing and cuts to public services.

More to come...