Another nail-biting contest looms for P&R presidency

TWO heavy hitters will face off today in the race to lead the States.

After losing by a single vote in 2016, and having held presidencies of two committees in the four years since, Deputy Peter Ferbrache has a good chance of winning the top job in Guernsey politics. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 28800880)

Peter Ferbrache enters what promises to be a nail-biting context with current Policy & Resources president Gavin St Pier.

The result may depend on how The Guernsey Party votes.

Deputy Ferbrache, who in the last Assembly resigned as Economic Development president after losing P&R support following payments to a law firm that bears his name, before later taking on the role of States’ Trading Supervisory Board leader, stood as an independent in the election.

A founder member of the 2020 Association he is expected to draw together a coalition of right-leaning independents, including some he was involved in nominating, as well as The Guernsey Party.

Deputy St Pier heads the Guernsey Partnership of Independents, who had 10 members elected, and will draw the vote from more centrist and left-leaning colleagues.

The two faced off in the final rounds of voting four years ago, with Deputy St Pier taking the role by just one vote.

Under his leadership, divisions within the chamber were evident, but he ended the term being praised for his role in the coronavirus response and Brexit.

He topped the poll in the election 2,785 votes ahead of Deputy Ferbrache in fifth place.

Deputy Gavin St Pier is seeking another four years as Policy & Resources president after taking the job by a single vote in 2016. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 28800889)

Yesterday Deputy St Pier took to Twitter to confirm that he would be proposed by Deputy Peter Roffey and new face Deputy Andy Cameron.

‘While the electorate voted for experience and continuity of leadership, with half the States being new, they also clearly voted for change,’ he said.

‘I will outline tomorrow how, if elected in the secret ballot, I will reconcile and deliver against that mixed mandate from voters.

‘During the election I pledged to work with all those elected. I believe that we now must bring unity to all States’ committees. So I would include in my nominations for the Policy & Resources Committee talent from across the political spectrum.

‘President of Policy & Resources Committee no longer has right to “first nomination” for other presidencies which are States’ decision. No patronage exists in our system. I will not, for avoidance of doubt, seek or offer roles which are matters for States and not mine to deliver.’

Richard Digard on the election Page 22