Sark's Chief Pleas asked to suspend rule on the engagement of a new chairman

MEMBERS of Sark's General Purposes and Advisory Committee will ask Chief Pleas to suspend rules requiring them to appoint a new chairman.

The post was recently vacated by Charles Maitland, pictured, who left saying the role had placed a huge burden on his time and wellbeing.

In a proposition, to be debated at the Chief Pleas midsummer meeting on 3 July, committee members said the role, with the current expectations and mandate, is 'impossible for one person to fill'.

Following the Assembly's decision to appoint a full-time civil servant, a review of Sark's committee set-up will be progressed.

'Therefore asking that the rules requiring the nomination of a chairman and deputy are suspended until the members of Chief Pleas have had the opportunity to debate and present an acceptable and practical evolution to our government is not an unreasonable proposition,' the six-strong committee said.

'The committee considers its current role as being to maintain the day-to-day business for which it has responsibility while working with all conseillers to deliver the changes that, as the recent vote at the extraordinary meeting of Chief Pleas suggests, they believe are essential for Sark to survive as a responsible Crown Dependency with the considerable independence, and the obligations, that go with that privilege.'

In the meantime the committee wants to nominate a 'chairman for statutory obligations' and will ensure a single point of contact for all committee business.