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Just three months after his election to the States of Alderney, former mining engineer and businessman Bill Abel has become the island's senior politician.
Mr Abel was named as James Dent's replacement as the Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee, with the incumbent choosing to stand down from the top job in Alderney politics.
Mr Abel brings a lifetime’s experience working in Africa, South America and Australia before basing himself in Alderney in 2006. Upon his 'semi-retirement' in 2013, he took up directorships at Alderney Electricity Ltd and the European Bank.
“We need to step back and more broadly consider where the island economy is now, where it should be, and how we sustain and grow it into the future,” he said.
Pictured: Mr Dent has held the top job in Alderney politics since 2017.
“Alderney, although a small part of the Bailiwick, must focus on its own needs and responsibilities, and play its part in the Bailiwick’s future success.”
Elsewhere, former Police Inspector Boyd Kelly was elected as Chairman of the General Services Committee, replacing Graham McKinley, who was chosen as the island’s Vice President.
Kevin Gentle was named Chairman of the Building and Development Control Committee with Members Ian Carter, Annie Burgess, Alex Snowdon and Christian Harris elected to work with him.
Alex Snowdon and Steve Roberts were confirmed as Alderney Representatives to sit in the Guernsey States, with Kevin Gentle and Annie Burgess appointed as alternatives if either is unavailable.
Pictured: Steve Roberts and Alex Snowdon will continue as Alderney's representatives in Guernsey's States.
Ian Carter, Graham McKinley and Annie Burgess were elected to sit on the Management Committee of the Alderney Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, which is chaired by Alderney's President, William Tate.
The States’ youngest member, newly-elected Rhys Jenkins, was appointed to the Management Committee of St Anne’s School.
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