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Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq said that Lord Wolfson would be greatly missed by the Channel Islands following his departure from Boris Johnson's beleaguered Government.
The States' external relations lead last night told Express that he was "disheartened to hear of the resignation of Lord Wolfson as a Justice Minister this afternoon".
Lord Wolfson has been the UK Minister primarily responsible for the Channel Islands since December 2020. He resigned over the Prime Minister's handling of parties at Number 10 while the country was under strict covid restrictions. The Prime Minister, his wife and his Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, have all been fined for attending a birthday gathering in June 2020 which was illegal.
"In the 10 years I have been involved, in one form or another, with politically representing Guernsey’s external and constitutional affairs, there have been few post-holders who have shown as much interest and taken as much time to engage with us as David Wolfson," said Deputy Le Tocq, pictured top right.
"He is a man of principle and strong ethical values. At the same time, I found him always warm and personable.
"He will certainly be a very hard act to follow."
Pictured: Lord Wolfson yesterday became the first Minister to resign from Boris Johnson's Government following confirmation that the Prime Minister had been fined for attending an illegal gathering in Number 10 while covid restrictions were in place in the summer of 2020.
In his letter of resignation to the Prime Minister, Lord Wolfson wrote: "I regret that recent disclosures lead to the inevitable conclusion that there was repeated rule-breaking, and breaches of the criminal law, in Downing Street.
"It is not just a question of what happened in Downing Street or your own conduct. It is also, and perhaps more so, the official response to what took place."
Deputy Le Tocq held regular conversations with Lord Wolfson and met him many times to discuss matters of interest to the Bailiwick.
He will soon need to work with Lord Wolfson's successor and he declined to comment on the crisis which is now facing the Prime Minister and his Government.
Pictured: Boris Johnson, left, and his Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, are resisting calls to resign over what sections of the UK media are calling 'Partygate'.
Deputy Gavin St Pier, who spent four years leading the Policy & Resources Committee, which is responsible for external relations, told Express that Lord Wolfson's resignation was "unfortunate".
"I’ve not met Lord Wolfson as he was appointed after I left my previous role. The islands have had a succession of Justice Ministers, who have the lead in our relationship with the Crown. This is unfortunate as it’s in our best interests that whoever holds that role not only has understanding and commitment but also continuity," said Deputy St Pier.
However, Deputy St Pier said that Lord Wolfson's resignation was "understandable given events in Downing Street".
Pictured: Deputy Gavin St Pier, who had extensive dealings with the UK Government when he was in charge of the island's finances (2012-16) and then President of the Policy & Resources Committee (2016-20), said that Lord Wolfson's resignation was understandable and strongly criticised the Prime Minister's conduct.
"His resignation letter is excoriating," said Deputy St Pier.
"In particular, he makes it clear that the rule of law, in which everyone and the government itself is subject to the law, is a constitutional principle. In other words, it’s not just about a birthday cake.
"The public rightly believe that those who made the lockdown rules and their family and friends should be subject to the same rules as everyone else.
"Personally, like Lord Wolfson, I am concerned at the erosion of another constitutional principle, following a number of challenges in recent years arising from the Brexit process and attempts to legislate for us.
"Our islands’ autonomy relies on respecting constitutional principles. That was why, when running to be President of the Policy & Resources Committee, I said it was vital over this term that we actively engage with the UK, to embed our ancient constitutional rights, in a more settled form than relying on conventions.”
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