In a departure from usual protocol, Deputy Andrew Niles, pictured, was quizzed alongside fellow candidates Gavin St Pier, whose resignation had caused the vacancy, and Haley Camp by their fellow States members, in a process usually reserved for the election of presidents.
After questioning, Deputy Niles was a comfortable winner to replace Deputy St Pier, with 23 votes compared to 11 for the former vice-president and resources lead and five for new hopeful Haley Camp.
Deputy Andy Sloan spoiled his paper.
Watch: Peter Roffey spoke to Deputy Niles following his election to P&R
Deputy Niles said he wanted to look more closely at some of the proposed social security reforms put forward as part of the GST-plus fiscal package. They have caused recent concern among the business community, with the Chamber of Commerce leading the charge for greater clarity.
In response to a question from Alderney Representative Alex Snowdon, P&R’s pick for the seat said he viewed the whole Bailiwick as one community which needed to work together.
On how the States could help to stimulate economic growth, Deputy Niles singled out Leale’s Yard and other housing projects as the best way to do so.
Replying to Deputy David Dorrity, the P&R nominee said he thought the States had to go beyond its agreed 1% savings targets for revenue budgets, but later he told Deputy Paul Montague that any savings programme would only form a small part on any initiative to balance the island’s books.
In another reply he made clear that news of a States revenue surplus of more £100m. for 2025 did nothing to remove the need to ensure that the island’s public finances were made more sustainable in the long term.
Who voted for whom
... in the election for a new member of the Policy & Resources Committee:
For Andrew Niles – 23
Deputies Burford, Bury, de Sausmarez, Falla, Gabriel, Gollop, Goy, Hansmann Rouxel, Helyar, Inder, Kay Mouat, Kazantseva-Miller, Laine, Le Brun, Malik, Niles, Oswald, Parkinson, Rochester, Van Katwyk, Vermeulen; Alderney representatives Hill and Snowdon.
For Gavin St Pier – 11
Deputies Blin, Cameron, Curgenven, Humphreys, Leadbeater, Matthews, Montague, Ozanne, Rylatt, St Pier, Strachan.
For Haley Camp – 5
Deputies Camp, Collins, Dorrity, McKenna, Williams.
Spoiled paper
Deputy Sloan.
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