Guernsey States committee presidents elected

Guernsey's deputies are deciding who will lead the thirteen political committees today (4 July).

The newly-elected Guernsey States Assembly filed in the Royal Court today, ready to vote in new leaders for the different government sectors.

Economic Development

The presidency for Economic Development was first on the agenda.

Two deputies put their names forward - Sasha Kazantseva-Miller and Chris Blin.

Kazantseva-Miller, who was in ED last term, had backing from Policy and Resources. Newly elected Chief Minister Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez stood to introduce her.

"As one of its (Economic Development's) hardest-working members of the term that has just come to an end, she is very familiar indeed with the committee's mandate.

"She is very well placed to hit the ground running.

"Having spoken with her at length, I can reassure members that she is absolutely brimming with ideas on how to take it forward."

Deputy Kazantseva-Miller said:

"I am a real bridge builder, I bring energy, experience and a track record of getting things done.

"Guernsey's economic future demands fresh ideas, strategic thinking, deep collaboration and relentless follow-through, and that is what I am here to offer."

Meanwhile, Chris Blin, the former head of Overseas Aid, was proposed by Deputy John Gollop.

During Blin's speech, he said he would make artificial intelligence a 'cornerstone of our economic growth strategy.'

"AI is reshaping industries, improving productivity and creating new opportunities, and Guernsey must not sit back.

"We should establish an innovation hub, attract start-ups, investors and talent."

Kazantseva-Miller: 32 votes

Blin: 6 votes

Education, Sport and Culture

Paul Montague, a teacher of 30 years, was the only deputy to stand for the role of President of Education, Sport and Culture.

The newcomer to politics was nominated by the head of P&R, Lindsay de Sausmarez.

During his speech, he said that although he currently lacks political experience, his time as an educator will help him make good decisions.

"A strategy that lacks operational understanding is a strategy destined to fail.

"The best strategic thinking is rooted in the experience of those who deliver and receive the services.

"Strategy and operation are not opposites; they are partners in good governance."

Paul Montague: 35 votes

Employment & Social Security

Tina Bury was the only candidate in the election for the presidency of Employment and Social Security

She was proposed by Lindsay de Sausmarez.

Addressing her fellow states members, Deputy Bury said:

"I'm not shy of the leadership challenge, and a challenge it will be.

"ESS is a complicated and wide-ranging mandate.

"As was said in this vote in 2020: 'This is not a job on which to cut your political teeth, ideally it is a job for somebody who is already familiar with the massive policy agenda faced by ESS'."

Votes: 37 votes

Environment & Infrastructure

Single candidates running for Committee presidencies continue, as do nominations from Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez.

The Head of P&R proposed that Deputy Adrian Gabriel take on leadership of Environment & Infrastructure.

He was a part of the committee last term.

In court, he promised to work to protect our island for future generations.

"This week, we have seen record temperatures in mainland Europe exceed 45 degrees.

"Climate change is here, and we know one of its effects is sea level rise.

"We live on an island and we are all acutely aware of the impact (of climate change)."

Votes: 35 votes

Health and Social Care

A doctor-turned-deputy, George Oswald, has been elected as Guernsey's President of Health and Social Care.

He was proposed by Deputy Gavin St Pier.

Oswald spoke to the assembly, highlighting 'the demographic time bomb' (ageing population) and young people's mental health as key issues.

He also said he saw his presidency as 'the natural progression' in his medical career.

Votes: 37 votes

Home Affairs

Deputy Marc Leadbeater has won a three-way battle for Home Affairs presidency.

One of his ideas is to extend the opportunity for tourists from Northern European countries, especially France, can travel to Guernsey with their National ID cards.

"As we know, many people in northern Europe, who like to travel to Guernsey, don't have passports."

Votes: 22 votes

Simon Vermeulen and Jayne Ozanne also went for the job, with four and 11 votes respectively.

Housing

Deputy Steve Williams, who has helped to build 900 affordable homes in his time with the Guernsey Housing Association, has been selected for the role as President of the Committee of Housing.

He was proposed by Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, seconded by Deputy Gavin St Pier and was unopposed.

Votes: 34 votes

Scrutiny Management

Deputy Andy Sloan has been appointed to the leading role on the Scrutiny Management Committee.

He was proposed by Deputies Yvonne Burford and Mark Helyar.

Deputy Gollop was beaten and received 11 of the available votes.

Votes: 24 votes

Development and Planning Authority

Deputy Yvonne Burford has been elected President of the Development and Planning Authority.

She has the backing of Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez.

Votes: 32 votes

Overseas Aid

Jennifer Strachen has been put forward for the role of President for Overseas Aid.

Deputy Stachen also received the support of Chief Minister Lindsay de Saumarez, who says she has a strong background in governance with more than 30 years of experience in the finance industry.

Votes: 34

States Assembly and Constitution Committee

Deputy Sarah Hansmann Rouxel has been appointed to lead the States Assembly and Constitution Committee.

P&R's leader, Lindsay de Saumarez, gave her backing.

The Chief Minister says she needs no introduction and has the attention to detail required for the role.

Deputy Hansmann spoke about protecting the mental health of States colleagues because a healthy house means a more productive States, which can better able to deliver for the people of Guernsey.

She wants to introduce quarterly interactive sessions for members to work through anything before it gets to the Assembly floor to avoid lengthy amendment chains.

Votes: 28

States Trading Supervisory Board

Mark Helyar is being suggested for the role as President of the States Trading Supervisory Board.

He has experience in commercial law, fintech and his extensive political career, along with other roles highlighted by Lindsay de Saumarez.

She says he has won her confidence and P&R's endorsement.

Votes: 30

Transport Licensing Authority

Deputy John Gollop has been put forward for the role of President of Transport Licensing Authority, uncontested.

Lindsay de Saumarez told the Assembly she is going to keep her speech short as most members know about his work.

He mentioned in his speech about the importance of the lifeline routes to Alderney, Southampton and Gatwick.

Votes: 31