01-07-2025
How does Guernsey's top politician get elected?
Guernsey's top politician will be decided by a secret ballot of deputies on is expected that three people will stand for the role of president of the Policy and Resources Committee (P&R), although anyone can be nominated from the floor. Deputies Lindsay de Sausmarez, Mark Helyar and Jonathan Le Tocq have all expressed an interest in the role. Candidates need to be proposed and seconded by one of the 40 members of the States of Deliberation.
All of the candidates will then go up to the top bench to make speeches and answer questions before the secret ballot. The proposer of each candidate can make a five-minute speech, while the candidates themselves can speak for 10 the speeches, candidates will face a series of questions from States members which will last for an hour, if there are four candidates for the position - 15 minutes per candidate.
Who may be standing?
Poll-topper Lindsay de Sausmarez said she was standing for the role after being encouraged by her said: "I think the electorate has sent a message loud and clear that they want to leave behind the factionalism and division which has characterised the the last couple of assemblies. "I am a candidate who can unite the assembly and deliver on that request." Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Jonathan Le Tocq has promised that, if he is elected, he will build a government of "all talents" by bringing deputies Parkinson, St Pier and Helyar onto P&R. Deputy Mark Helyar said his focus would be on controlling States spending and, if elected, he would want to keep Deputy Le Tocq on the board to deal with external relations, as he had during the last nine years. On Sunday, Deputy Charles Parkinson who had previously expressed interest in the roll, announced he was pulling out of the race and backing de Sausmarez.
