Home president backs P&R but will contest top job if committee falls

He told the Guernsey Press that he would consider standing because of the number of deputies who had approached him offering their support. His backers are understood to include Deputy Peter Ferbrache, the current president of P&R, which will be forced to resign if it loses a motion of no confidence at tomorrow’s States meeting.

Deputy Prow wants P&R to survive, but if it falls he is prepared to challenge three other deputies – Charles Parkinson, Peter Roffey and Lyndon Trott – for the top job.

‘My only motivation, whatever happens, is to try and stabilise Guernsey’s government in a time of unprecedented local, national and global challenges,’ said Deputy Prow.

He mentioned housing, education, a key anti-money laundering inspection, and another debate about the system of government as key issues facing the States next year.

‘We need to heal divisions across all political shades within our Assembly and promote the involvement of all members before we debate in the chamber.

‘We need to accentuate positives and find consensus rather than negatives which are apparent at the moment,’ he said.

Deputy Prow claimed the motion of no confidence led by Deputy Charles Parkinson, which started weeks ago, had already caused the island’s reputation considerable harm, and he again urged States members to allow Deputy Ferbrache’s committee to continue.

‘It is my view that, while division is very apparent across our Assembly, the current P&R is more than demonstrating it is capable and has the skills and experience to continue.

‘The case against P&R has simply not been made out. There is a lot of work that P&R, along with Home Affairs and other committees, needs to complete in order that we continue to demonstrate in a global world that we are a safe, stable and excellent place to do business with.’

Deputy Prow said that none of the putative candidates for the presidency of P&R had indicated what their policies would be or why they thought they would do a better job than the man they hope to replace.