What are we voting for?
Voters are being encouraged to put the question ‘How do we do politics in Guernsey?’ at the centre of next year’s general election.
The Assembly elected in June 2025 will shape the island’s political culture and system of government until the end of the decade.
It will follow a States term widely regarded as having been dominated by levels of tribalism and rivalry unusual in local politics.
Guests on the latest Guernsey Press Politics Podcast, out today, hoped voters would study candidates’ general approach to politics as much as their views on specific policy issues.
Listen to Deputy Roffey, Deputy Le Tocq and Lord Digby Jones’ on the latest Guernsey Press Politics Podcast
‘This States has been such a toxic workplace,’ said Deputy Peter Roffey.
‘I’m hoping the island will say that it is time to put that to bed, go back to a civilised way of doing government, and vote for people who look like they are going to be grown up in their approach to politics.’
Jonathan Le Tocq and Lord Digby Jones agreed. The former also hoped to see more decisiveness and discipline in decision-making. The latter wants the next States to change the island’s system of government, and believes there is significant public support for that.
‘The Guernsey way, whatever that might be, will be a nasty, brutish and short way to perdition. It has got to change. I don’t think the island can wait any longer,’ said Lord Jones, chairman of lobby group Gpeg.
Deputy Le Tocq, who is leading a review of the system of government, said that systems were important, but were secondary to culture.
‘I will be doing my best to encourage good newcomers to have the guts to stand for election. We need some willing to put their neck on the block,’ he said.
The States has launched a website, election2025.gg, to encourage interest in the general election. It is hosting information events for prospective candidates next week.
