Alderney’s senior committee, Policy & Finance, submitted a number of proposals on government reform to law officers for consideration last week, including cutting the number of members from 10 to eight.
However, Alderney politician Alex Snowdon, who also represents the island in the States of Guernsey but is not a member of P&F, said the proposals had a ‘back of the fag packet’ appearance.
‘We’ve seen the potential reduction to eight members, but what’s the restructuring? How do we govern ourselves?’ he said.
‘How are we going to get more scrutiny if we drop to eight members? Four members could potentially control things, so where are the checks and balances? The fundamental point is, how do you get more debate in the chamber, rather than everything happening at P&F and other committees behind closed doors.’
Under the P&F proposals, the assembly would cut to eight members by only having three vacancies instead of five at elections this November. And those elected would serve just two years, instead of the usual four, enabling an election for the full States to take place in November 2028.
However, Mr Snowdon said even if agreed by the States of Alderney, the timetable seemed ambitious.
‘It needs to go to Alderney States for ordinary debate, then it will need to go to the law officers, and then potentially the Privy Council,’ he said.
‘My gut feeling is that it won’t be coming in in time for November.’
P&F has also said it would ask the public for their views on the plebiscite election for Guernsey representatives and whether it should continue.
Currently the two Alderney representatives are elected by the islanders from a list of Alderney members who put themselves forward for the role.
Mr Snowdon said he believed it was still important that they were elected with a public mandate, rather than just selected by members.
‘You have a manifesto that goes to the public, you talk to the community about what you feel you can achieve and what you feel you can push forward in the States of Deliberation. And I think if we take that away, we’re actually watering down the role of the Alderney representatives,’ he said. ‘It should not be a popularity contest between certain members of the States of Alderney.’
He added that he believed this was not the time to discuss changes to the way Alderney representatives were elected with the Bailiwick Commission – which will look at the relationship between the islands – so close at hand.
‘We hope it’s going to be beneficial for the whole islands, and our relationship is moving forward,’ he said.
‘Surely, if we’re getting commissioners and experts appointed, we should wait for their recommendations or guidance on this matter.’
