WATCH: The Bailiff says bye

Sunday 03 May 2020

He's Bailiff for another few weeks but Sir Richard Collas has started to bid farewell as he prepares to retire from the most senior role in public life in Guernsey.

The Bailiff is described by Guernsey's Royal Court as the island's "leading citizen and representative in non-political matters".

The role has so far always been filled by men, and they have carried out a number of duties across judicial, political and civic aspects of life in the islands.

Sir Richard was appointed Bailiff in March 2012, having served as Deputy Bailiff, to Sir Geoffrey Rowland, for seven years.

During the time Sir Richard has been Bailiff, Deputy Mary Lowe has represented the Vale in the States. She is now the island's longest serving politician and as Mother of the House, she gave a speech to thank him for his work during the remote States meeting held last week.

Speaking from her son's garage - due to social distancing rules, because her own Wifi at home had failed to work during the planned States debate on borrowing hundreds of millions of pounds - Deputy Lowe thanked Sir Richard for his years of service to the island.

Deputy Lowe also recalled memories of Sir Richard's father and grandfather who had both been politicians.

Sir Richard was grateful and emotional as he responded to Deputy Lowe's speech.

Sir Richard will formally stand down from the role of Bailiff later this month.

He will be succeeded by his Deputy Bailiff, Richard McMahon.

Jessica Roland will succeed him as Deputy Bailiff, a sign Guernsey could have its first female Bailiff within a decade.

It's not yet been announced how the new Bailiff will be sworn in as lockdown rules may mean the usual formal ceremony cannot be held.

Pictured top: Sir Richard Collas.