Deputy St Pier vying for a seat on Policy & Resources
DEPUTY Gavin St Pier is now officially in the running to replace Deputy Heidi Soulsby on the Policy & Resources committee.
The former P&R president, who has set himself as a direct opponent of the ruling 'coalition' this term, will stir up the election having been nominated by Yvonne Burford and seconded by Marc Leadbeater.
‘Our consensus, committee system of government over the years has relied on a diversity of experience and views during committee discussion, and I believe that I would bring that to the P&R,’ said Deputy St Pier.
‘I have enjoyed providing scrutiny and challenge from the outside of our government’s decision making for the last two years. Undoubtedly this experience has given me a different perspective which I believe will now assist the committee’s important work in the remainder of this term.’
He said he was saddened by Deputy Soulsby’s resignation but understood and respected her decision.
‘I think it’s important that the assembly is presented with real choice in the contest for a vacant seat on the States’ most senior committee.’
P&R will nominate Deputy Bob Murray to fill the vice-president vacancy, despite some concerns about what may happen to the reform of secondary and post-16 education if he leaves the Education Committee.
Unlike Deputy Murray, Deputy St Pier has no ties with any other committees, so his election would limit any further re-shuffling.
The upcoming tax review will be a significant aspect of the P&R mandate at the start of next year.
In his 2020 manifesto, Deputy St Pier said the outcome of it must be the maintenance of a low-rate tax system. He also said Guernsey cannot simply cut public spending or tax its way back to a balanced budget.
Deputy Burford said it was important to have a contested election for such an important position to establish what different candidates can bring to the role.
‘I believe Deputy St Pier would bring a wealth of experience that would be of significant benefit to the P&R, the States as a whole and the community.’
Deputy Leadbeater said that it would offer a different perspective he believed would strengthen the committee. The election takes place on 23 November.
