Deputy de Sausmarez was initially reluctant to run for the top job and instead hoped to continue leading Environment & Infrastructure.
But she revealed late yesterday that talks with returning and new deputies had persuaded her to launch a bid to become the first woman to lead the States’ senior committee when the new president of P&R is elected next Tuesday.
After a political term marred by tribalism and division, she said she wanted to offer the States Assembly a new style of leadership.
‘One of the strongest messages I picked up through the campaign period, and which was in my view reflected in the election results, was a desire for a more collaborative way of working, and that is certainly my style,’ said Deputy de Sausmarez.
‘I want this Assembly to be characterised by its ability to work effectively together, and if I can set that tone and facilitate that approach from the role of P&R president then I am keen to do so.’
She immediately won the backing of former P&R president Gavin St Pier.
He was understood to be on the brink of declaring his own bid to regain leadership of the senior committee, which he lost in 2020, but ruled out challenging Deputy de Sausmarez.
‘Lindsay as poll-topper has demonstrated that she has a popular mandate for whatever role she feels best able to serve,’ said Deputy St Pier.
‘Consequently, I have made clear to her that if she decides to run to be P&R president, I will not be a candidate.’
He said that he was prepared to serve on P&R under any president if they wished.
Deputy de Sausmarez resisted early suggestions to stand for P&R and some colleagues were attempting to encourage her to consider the presidency of Education, Sport & Culture.
But yesterday morning she started informing close colleagues that she had changed her plans.
‘Conversations with a perhaps surprising variety of colleagues helped me look at the broader picture,’ said Deputy de Sausmarez.
‘It is true that from a singular perspective my interest in certain policy areas does point more towards the work carried out by some of the principal committees.
‘However, looking at it through the lens of effective government more generally, I do now see that there is a strong case for someone who can help bring people together, both within the States and hopefully the community as well.’
Deputies Mark Helyar, Jonathan Le Tocq and Charles Parkinson have previously declared their intentions to stand for the presidency of P&R.
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