Guernsey's Chief Minster and leading politicians ousted

Wednesday 13 December 2023

Guernsey's Chief Minister and the island's leading committee have all been ejected from their roles after a vote of no confidence this lunchtime.

It spells the end of office for Deputy Peter Ferbrache who has held the island’s top political job since the start of the term in 2020, leading the Policy and Resources Committee (P&R).

External Relations lead Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq and Deputy Bob Murray have also been removed from office after States members backed a motion of no confidence in the committee by 23 votes to 16.

The island's Deputies will now spend this afternoon electing a new P&R Committee and President to lead it.

A band of seven politicians began the push to oust Peter Ferbrache and the Policy and Resources (P&R) Committee after they failed to get backing for a key plan to fund the running of the island – which largely hinged on introducing GST.

Deputy Ferbrache said at the conclusion of the debate that he would be seeking an early election because the States were at an "impasse".

Pictured: Jersey's Chief Minister Kristina Moore with Deputy Ferbrache.

But several politicians instead said it would be more appropriate for the entirety of P&R to resign. When they refused, it was decided that a vote of no confidence would be held.

Two Deputies in P&R – Deputy Chief Minister Deputy Mark Helyar, and Deputy David Mahoney – decided to jump ship ahead of the debate, which the whole committee lost today by 23 votes to 16.

Express conducted a poll among its readers in October – 62% of the more than 800 respondents said they would want the Committee to resign.

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