First candidates get their names in for 2020 general election

At 9am when nominations opened there were 10 people in the queue at the Royal Court House clutching their papers.

Four were sitting deputies and six were newcomers and former deputies; and they were a mix of independents and party members.

The atmosphere was very convivial and good-natured, with candidates sharing jokes and election tips, and the Bailiff Richard McMahon swung by for a quick chit-chat.

In the island's first ever island-wide general election it was apparent that social media will play a role; candidates were taking selfies on their phones before officials clamped down on it because taking photos inside the court house is strictly prohibited.

Early riser Deputy Al Brouard, a member of the 'Guernsey Partnership of Independents', was first in the queue, a distinction he also clinched in 2016.

He arrived just before 7am and had brought along a chair and a book to read.

'I think education will play a fair part, and the economy, we haven't seen the end of issues over Covid, and of course Brexit.'

Next in line was Deputy Mary Lowe, and as a veteran of elections she was enjoying meeting the other candidates.

'It's an exciting time, I love election time, I think it gives the island a buzz and it's right that we stand up and let people decide if they want you or not.'

The 2020 election has thrown up many unknowns, and candidates face a daunting challenge if they want to knock on all the doors of the 31,301 islanders who have signed up to the electoral roll.

Third in the queue was former deputy Yvonne Burford, another member of the 'Guernsey Partnership of Independents'.

She was looking forward to hitting the campaign trail.

'I think it's really important to meet the voters, it's not always that easy to judge somebody from a piece of paper so I want to meet as many people as possible.'

Gordon Young was next in line and was relishing the opportunity to stand in an island-wide election.

'Over 30 years ago I started to speak about island-wide voting, and I was told I was silly then and to more or mouth quiet, so I'm pleased it's come about, it's a fairer system in this day and age.'

When talking to the candidates in the queue, the words that kept on coming up were 'economy' and 'education'.

As a former Director of Education, new face Diane Mitchell said she had a lot to offer.

'I'm hopefully going to get in and do something towards education, which I feel is going to be an important priority over this term.'

Candidates who showed up at the court house were given a raffle ticket with their queue number on it.

Simon Vermeulen decided that 13 was lucky for some.

He is a member of 'The Guernsey Party' which has put the economy at the heart of its manifesto.

'If I look at what was lacking from last house it was that actual experience in business, so we hope to bring that expertise in and use it for the benefit of Guernsey.'

One aspect of island-wide voting is that sitting deputies are thought to have a greater advantage because they already have a profile and it could be harder for new faces to make an impact compared to the old district system.

But as a snapshot, there were more newcomers in the queue at 9am than sitting deputies.

First-time candidate Rob Gibson wanted to bring fresh energy and perspective.

'There's enough bright people out there who've got better ideas than just tax tax tax.'