Chief minister resigns
CHIEF Minister Peter Harwood has quit amid national media coverage about his former roles within the financial sector regulator and the troubled Channel Islands Stock Exchange.
A statement from deputy Harwood, pictured, was released to all deputies this morning.
'I have today tendered my resignation from the office of chief minister of the States of Guernsey. I have done so with regret but recognising the risk to the reputation of that office and the States of Guernsey caused by recent media interest in my previous role as the director of the Channel Islands Stock Exchange.
'It seems to me that uncertainty concerning the final outcome of the investigation by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission into matters pertaining to the CISX would focus unnecessary media attention on my continued role as chief minister, and that attention would be to the detriment of the reputation of that office and the Policy Council.
Deputy Harwood said such attention would also seriously detract from the vital ongoing work of the Policy Council and its sub-committees, in addition to the special States committees he chairs and States departments.
'It is now important that we proceed as quickly as possible with the process of electing as new chief minister,' he added.
See tomorrow's Guernsey Press for all the reaction to Deputy Harwood's resignation.
