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New political party launched ahead of general election

A new political party has been launched to field candidates in June’s general election.

Forward Guernsey is being led by Deputy Gavin St Pier.
Forward Guernsey is being led by Deputy Gavin St Pier. / Guernsey Press

Known as Forward Guernsey, the party is being led by Deputy Gavin St Pier and currently comprises four other individuals, three of whom – Rhona Humphreys, Tom Rylatt and Ryan Courtney – will be standing for election alongside Deputy St Pier.

Party secretary Mark Le Page is the fifth member, with the group keen for other candidates to join them.

Forward Guernsey is adopting the manifesto recently published by political movement Future Guernsey, for which Deputy St Pier has acted as political advisor.

Mr Le Page said the quintet had come together to form a party because they thought it was the best way to offer manifesto clarity and accountability to voters.

‘Ultimately, it offers the opportunity to deliver more effective government the other side of the election,’ he said.

Mrs Humphreys, who is a director at Imperium Group, said the manifesto Forward Guernsey had chosen to adopt was a ‘bold, ambitious vision’ and ‘comprehensive plan’ for the next term of government.

‘Nothing like this has ever been done before in Guernsey. It’s daunting and exciting to be doing something so different, but more than that, it’s hopeful and positive,’ she said.

Forward Guernsey is distinct from ‘political movement’ Future Guernsey, but will adopt its recently-published manifesto.
Forward Guernsey is distinct from ‘political movement’ Future Guernsey, but will adopt its recently-published manifesto. / Forward Guernsey

Mr Rylatt – a project feasibility manager for the Guernsey Development Agency – said each of the group believed that working together with a single policy programme was the best way to ensure better government.

‘Before and, if elected after the election, by working together as a team, we can better use each individual’s strengths as well as support each other.’

Potential candidates looking to join the party will be required to complete an application form, supply their CV, declare their interests and any prior convictions, and provide a DBS check.

Short-listed candidates will then be interviewed by an independent panel.

Candidates will also be subject to the party’s code of conduct.

At the last election, Deputy St Pier was a member of the Guernsey Partnership of Independents party.

But none of his fellow members have joined the new party so far.

In 2020 they included Yvonne Burford, Tina Bury, Steve Falla, and Jonathan Le Tocq, who all plan to stand again.

Forward Guernsey will be holding an open evening for potential candidates interested in joining from 6.30-8.30pm at Les Cotils on Tuesday 15 April.

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