Deputies-elect reveal where ambitions lie
AS THE political map was redrawn, the newly-elected deputies began setting out their job wishes within the States committees.
Deputy-elect Heidi Soulsby had a podium finish, coming in second, and said she would like to take on a co-ordinating role at the top table of the island’s government.
‘I’d like a place on P&R. I want to develop more of the sort of things I’ve been doing in health – really that approach of coordinating work, working with people, and I think just filling in those gaps,’ she said.
Confirming she would be stepping down as president of HSC, Deputy-elect Soulsby also said that the Revive & Thrive strategy to power the island’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic had to be a focus with a co-ordinated approach across the States. ‘I very much work in a collegiate way and I want to see more of that this time around.’
Deputy Neil Inder delivered a strong performance and came in eighth position. He felt the electorate had given him a mandate to work on the economy.
‘I’m probably going to go for president of Economic Development, that’s where my manifesto was focused, it was focused on the economy.
'To a degree that’s by the grace of Policy & Resources because it usually involves a nod from the top committee, so if that doesn’t pan out then SACC [the States’ Assembly & Constitution Committee] would be quite interesting, and failing that maybe STSB [States’ Trading Supervisory Board] and maybe Environment & Infrastructure.
'There’s not much I probably can’t turn my hand to with the exception of Health, ESS and I’m not that interested in Home Affairs, but it depends on who wants me.’
Newcomer Adrian Gabriel set his sights on improving the island’s natural environment.
‘I’ve always said that I’d like to be on Environment and Infrastructure. I love Guernsey, I love what we’ve got, I want to protect it, nurture and conserve it; but also with my logistics and transport background because, contrary to popular belief, I only ever worked in the shops for three months, so most of my life has been in transport and logistics so I’d like to use that experience I’ve gained there to help create a better infrastructure for the people of Guernsey.’
Carl Meerveld scraped in at 38th position and he was eyeing up the post left vacant by Deputy Chris Green, who stood down.
‘I would like to head up Scrutiny, Deputy Green ran it very ably in the last term although with his hands tied behind his back because their powers were limited to compel and gather evidence. The committee has now been granted greater powers as one of the last things we did in the States, so I would be interested in being involved with that and helping take that forward.’
