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A surprisingly contentious vote in the States Assembly last week has led to further speculation about ‘toxic personality politics’.
Deputy Heidi Soulsby was up for re-election to the Ladies College Board of Governors. She had been nominated by the Chairman, the two States-appointed Governors and the two Governors appointed by the States on the nomination of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture.
A secret ballot was held, with only her name on it. Deputies were asked to vote yes or no for Deputy Soulsby to be re-elected.
The fact it had to be a secret vote was questioned by Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller. Deputy Bailiff Jessica Rowland said, “I can assure you... I looked very carefully at this because it did seem rather a nonsense, but nevertheless I can say that it does require a secret ballot because it does not provide for otherwise”.
An envelop was passed around the chamber during the sitting last week and 28 votes were made for Deputy Soulsby. There were nine spoiled papers and two blank ones.
In comparison, a subsequent vote for Brian Acton to the Board of Governors saw another secret vote culminate unanimously in 37 votes.
Deputy Gavin St Pier commented on the vote during his latest reflection on the entire debate.
“Deputy Soulsby managed to not be supported by 11 members in a secret ballot with only one name on it, hers, to be re-elected as a governor of The Ladies’ College,” he said.
“One, or even two, would not be exceptional, but 11 is unprecedented. Some will tell you that toxic personality politics does not exist. You decide.”
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