Guernsey's first Chief Minister dies

Friday 19 January 2018

Laurie Morgan, a prolific and popular politician in Guernsey over many years, has died at 87.

The former Deputy and Conseiller, President of Advisory and Finance and first Chief Minister of Guernsey passed away yesterday, Thursday 18 January.

Mr Morgan was first elected to the States of Guernsey in 1988, starting a political career that lasted two decades and saw many changes to the political landscape in the islands and further afield.

Having been elected as a Deputy in St Peter Port, Mr Morgan was later elected to the island-wide role of Conseiller - a post he held until the position was abolished in 2000. Mr Morgan was then re-elected Deputy. His time in office saw changes to the electoral districts in Guernsey when he was then re-elected again, this time to represent the electoral district of St Peter Port South. He also served Guernsey as the first Chief Minister following the change in machinery of government in 2004. A post he held until 2007 when former Deputy Mike Torode succeeded him as Chief Minister.

Mr Morgan's wife Wendy, also served as a Deputy for St Peter Port and later as Deputy Minister for Education.

The Bailiff paid tribute to Mr Morgan in the States of Guernsey this morning, after his death was confirmed: 

The Meeting of the States of Deliberation has resumed. The Presiding Officer is paying tribute to former Conseiller & Deputy Laurie Morgan who sadly passed away yesterday.

— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) January 19, 2018

Sir Richard Collas said Mr Morgan's knowledge of the financial services industry and his own business acumen were "quickly appreciated" in his roles in the States.

"Laurie was at the helm so to speak when the changes to the machinery of government were introduced and implemented in 2004.   The last ever President of Advisory and Finance became the island’s first Chief Minister following the 2004 election in which he was elected a Deputy for St Peter Port South," Sir Richard said.

"Laurie had firm views as to how the role of Chief Minister should establish itself.  I have little doubt in my mind that there was much more that he hoped to achieve than he was able to do before the Policy Council resigned in early 2007, some eleven years ago."

States members immediately began paying their own tributes to Mr Morgan as the news was announced. Deputy Mary Lowe, the current Mother of the House as she is the island's longest serving Deputy, served on the States with Mr Morgan. She led the tributes this morning on social media:

The sad announcement in the States this morning on the death a previous States member who I had the privilege to work with. Laurie Morgan was a kind gentle gentleman who was respected & served the island well for many years. RIPLaurie

— Deputy Mary Lowe (@DeputyMaryLowe) January 19, 2018

Then, from the current Chief Minister, to the first, President of P&R Deputy Gavin St Pier said: 

Very sad to learn of the death yesterday of Laurie Morgan, Guernsey’s first Chief Minister. A gentleman and a gentle man. Condolences to his widow, Wendy and his family and friends.

— Gavin St Pier (@gavinstpier) 19 January 2018

Other deputies followed with their own tributes:

Sad news today announced by the Bailiff: the former President of Advisory & Finance and Guernsey's first chief minister Laurie Morgan has passed away. A good example of a business person stepping up to the plate & into public service in the island for 20 years.

— Chris Green (@deputycgreen) January 19, 2018

@Govgg @DeputyMaryLowe @delisledavid @letocq Very sad news today that our first Chief Minister, DEputy & Conseiller LC Morgan passed away yesterday @Shaun_GP @mannoguernsey @coryn02

— john gollop (@GollopGuern) January 19, 2018