Hustings planned for independent candidates

Thursday 03 September 2020

Independent election candidates who aren't running as part of a political party will be given the chance to share their views at a series of hustings throughout this month.

20 candidates will take part in the events, where they will answer questions from members of the public.

Pictured: The candidates are all running for deputy, but haven't joined one of the island's political parties.

Ten of the candidates have never been States Members before. They are:

• Chris Blin

• Adrian Dilcock

• Adrian Gabriel

• Catherine Hall

• Melanie Harvey-Alan

• Ross Le Brun

• Ian Le Page

• Dianne Mitchell

• Martyn Roussel

• Richard Skipper

Two are former deputies:

• Garry Collins

• Jenny Tasker

While eight are incumbent States Members:

• Barry Brehaut

• Matt Fallaize

• Jennifer Merrett

• Victoria Oliver

• Charles Parkinson

• Peter Roffey

• Jeremy Smithies

• Dawn Tindall

Deputy Peter Roffey was the first to come up with the idea for an 'independent candidates' hustings', but has since passed the organising role onto outgoing States Member Michelle Le Clerc.

Pictured: The hustings' are being organised by outgoing deputy, Michelle Le Clerc.

"Early on, Peter asked me to take on the organisation of these events as he felt uncomfortable being both a participant and the organiser," she explained. "I was happy to oblige as I am not standing next term and felt that independent candidates would not have the same support as those affiliated to a group or association."

The series of ten hustings will be held at five different venues across the island, with two events at each place.

All of the involved candidates will take part in one hustings at each venue, meaning there will be a panel of ten people at each event.

They will be held at:

• Guernsey Institute (old St Peter Port School hall) - 15 September

• Guernsey Institute (old St Peter Port School hall) - 17 September

• Specsavers, La Villiaze - 21 September

• Specsavers, La Villiaze - 22 September

• Vale Douzaine Room - 23 September

• Scout HQ, Rue Maingy - 24 September

• Scout HQ, Rue Maingy - 25 September

• La Villette Hotel - 29 September

• Vale Douzaine Room - 30 September

• La Villette Hotel - 2 October

Pictured: Two events will be held at the Vale Douzaine Room. 

Each event will run from 19:00 until 21:00 and seating will work on a first come first served basis.

"I have asked that the candidates respect each other's views and that the audience will also show respect to candidates and each other," added Deputy Le Clerc. "This gives voters a real opportunity to meet some of the fully independent candidates and question them on what matters most to you and to them this election."