Mary Lowe not standing for Home minister job

She announced her decision yesterday in an email to the media. It means Deputy Peter Gillson, who is Chief Minister Jonathan Le Tocq's nomination for the role, is currently the only candidate to have put himself forward.

Deputy Lowe, pictured, said she felt she could do the minister job and had been keen to put her name forward. But once Deputy Gillson had decided he would stand, she felt she needed to reflect for 48 hours before making a final decision.

'Having worked with Peter on HSSD and encouraged him previously to go for a minister's post I believe his expertise and ability, especially scrutinising financial matters, will be a huge asset to the Home Department and equally important at Policy Council,' she said.

News of her decision came on the same day that Culture and Leisure's chief officer Mark de Garis was announced as the new chief officer of the Home Department.

Mr de Garis has held his current role since 2012 and has previously worked as the Guernsey Border Agency's deputy director. He is replacing Paul Whitfield, who stepped down at the start of this year to become the States chief executive.

Mr Whitfield said Culture and Leisure would get more support during the change-over. He added that there would also be changes in the department in the longer term.