New Alderney representative ‘shell-shocked’ after topping poll
A six-year relationship with the States of Guernsey has ended for one Alderney politician.
Steve Roberts took on the role of Alderney representative in 2018 but was not in the top two in Saturday’s plebiscite for the island’s representatives in the States of Guernsey.
Mr Roberts, who is also a member of the Education, Sport & Culture Committee, said that he had received many calls and messages from Guernsey politicians following the result. He said that he had become firm friends with many of them.
His final Guernsey States meeting starts on Wednesday. Although the States of Alderney needs to confirm the public vote, it would be exceptional to overturn it.
Mr Roberts received just 82 votes.
Elected on the day were new States member Edward Hill, who has not yet taken office in Alderney, who topped the poll with 321 votes, with current Alderney representative Alex Snowdon, close behind with 317.
‘I’m still a bit shell-shocked, I didn’t realise I was going to top the polls in both elections,’ said Mr Hill.
‘I think people in Alderney and to a certain extent from Guernsey, were looking for a fresh pair of eyes on the relationship.
‘I’m coming from a more collaborative point of view and I feel that both sides need to be more honest with each other, and honesty, transparency and truth will help us solve some of the issues that we have.’
He added that he had ideas to develop Alderney to ensure it was able to stand up for itself financially and be an asset the Bailiwick was proud of.
Mr Hill should take his seat in the States of Guernsey towards the end of January.
Like Mr Roberts, Mr Snowdon has been an Alderney representative since 2018.
‘I’d really like to thank everyone who voted, democracy has returned to Alderney which is great,’ he said.
‘There was some really extreme weather and people still came out and voted.
‘I give my best wishes to Steve Roberts. Six years we have been Alderney representatives together and we’ve worked very hard.
‘And I welcome working with Edward Hill. Politically we have some very difficult challenges ahead with the Alderney runway, and we will work hard to make sure the project continues.
There was a 43% turnout from the electorate. Other unsuccessful candidates were Stuart Clark, with 260 votes, Iain Macfarlane with 193, and Bruce Woodhead with 22.
