Murray leaves Guernsey Party over GST stance

Saturday 07 January 2023

Deputy Bob Murray has confirmed he resigned from The Guernsey Party after his position on tax fell out of step with its remaining members.

The Party has opposed GST since its inception ahead of the 2020 General Election, but Deputy Murray is now part of the Policy & Resources committee which is proposing a package of tax reforms which include a 5% GST.

He became aware on Thursday that the only two remaining party members - Deputies Simon Vermeulen and John Dyke - were supporting the Say No to GST campaign.

“I cannot disagree that raising taxes at all is something I feel in the least bit comfortable with, but I have also seen the projected loss for 2023 being estimated at some £58m on our revenue budget,” said Deputy Murray.

“And contrary to popular narrative, that is not because we are spending £58m more than we need on our Civil Service. It is in fact a reflection to a large degree of our increasing obligations to the considerable demands of an ageing population for healthcare and the States Pension - and to remedy infrastructure that has not had the investment mandated or required. 

“Consequently, a serious change to our taxation capability is inescapable and without doubt, GST, as part of the proposed package of measures which includes an overhaul of our Social Insurance system, is both progressive as well as the most fair on our island population in terms of who is required to shoulder the load equitably. 

“So, I cannot in all conscience, remain aligned with members of the Party who clearly hold very different views on a subject that is fundamental to our economic future, uncomfortable though that is, there is simply too much at stake to take such a stance when at present, there is no other credible solution being put forward.”

Pictured: Deputy Nick Moakes.

Deputy Murray said it had not been easy to change his position on GST.

“I now have seen ‘under the hood’ to the extent of the shortfall not just for this year, but gaining considerable momentum unless a very significant change is made - either in reducing services substantially - or increasing revenues - or both. It has not been easy to change my position on this, but I cannot deny the financial realities we are confronted with.”

Deputy Nick Moakes has also left the Guernsey Party.

“The reality is that you have got to work with everybody in the States across the political spectrum if you are to put a policy letter together or an idea across,” said Deputy Moakes.

“I found it was increasingly difficult to do that when I have been associated with a party.

It has been brilliant and helped me with the election process, got my feet under the table and learning, but we have so much to do and I really enjoy working with people across the political divide and bringing people together.”

He believes he can be more effective and efficient as an independent, but still thinks there is a future for political parties in Guernsey.

‘It certainly helped me when I was new into politics and didn’t know anybody. It was good to have people to run ideas past, it helps new people and the other party around at the time of the election also had a lot of new people in their grouping.”

He stressed his withdrawal was not a negative reflection on The Guernsey Party.

“It’s more about where I am now in this political term and how best I can work for Guernsey.

Pictured: The Guernsey Party has suffered numerous losses since it was launched ahead of the 2020 election.

The Guernsey Party had eight candidates in the 2020 general election with six elected.

Its founder Deputy Mark Helyar resigned at the start of November, citing the difficulty of holding a party position while being Policy & Resources’ treasury lead.

Deputy Chris Le Tissier resigned from the party in June shortly before he was suspended from the States for a year over comments he made on social media while posing as a member of the public.

Deputy Liam McKenna also joined and then left the party during the early part of this term.

The Guernsey Partnership of Independents, led by Deputy Gavin St Pier, fielded 21 candidates in the election, with 10 elected.

It was dissolved in September 2021.

The Guernsey Alliance party did not have any members elected in 2020.