New Alderney reps for Guernsey

Tuesday 18 December 2018

The two men who represent Alderney in the States of Guernsey have been replaced after a public vote.

Alderney States Members Louis Jean and Graham McKinley did have the responsibility of speaking on behalf of their island during States of Deliberation meetings in Guernsey but those roles will now be filled by election poll topper Steve Roberts and Alex Snowdon.

Mr Roberts has previously served on the States of Alderney and was re-elected last month, while Mr Snowdon is a newcomer to island politics.

The Plebiscite which was held yesterday followed the recent island wide election in Alderney. The vote to elect the Guernsey representatives saw nearly 750 people vote, which is a turnout of half the island's electorate.

Pictured: Alderney States Members Graham McKinley and Louis Jean had previously represented Alderney on the States of Guernsey. 

Alderney States Members Graham McKinley and Louis Jean had previously represented Alderney on the States of Guernsey, most recently debating on behalf of their fellow residents during the latest debate on Aurigny's finances.

With demands for a better service in Alderney, the two Alderney representatives had entered into the debate over whether the airline should be given a guarantee on a loan to buy three new 'fog busting' ATRs which can't be used on the inter island service. That debate went in favour of Aurigny.

The political focus in Alderney is likely to remain on air links, with Steve Roberts having voiced concerns about that during his election campaign, while the 1948 agreement between Guernsey and Alderney is also being assessed. 

Also yesterday, a by-election was held to fill the soon-to-be vacant seat currently held by Tony Barnes, who is resigning with two years remaining on his term of office. Kevin Gentle was elected to that post. 

Pictured top: Alderney.