On the day the electoral roll closes, and islanders have their last chance to sign up to use their right to vote, a Forward Guernsey candidate has decided to withdraw from the race, citing a “malicious social media campaign” against him.
Ryan Courtney was named as one of the first four candidates to step up for Forward Guernsey when it launched earlier this month, but having been a part of the party’s formation announcement, he’s now chosen to step back from the race, just as it’s about to begin, for the “best interests of both (his) family and the party”.
In a statement announcing his withdrawal, and the inclusion of three more candidates for Guernsey’s newest political party, Mr Courtney said: “I am disappointed but having been subject to a malicious social media campaign, I have reluctantly decided not to stand. I have to act in the best interests of both my family and the party.
“I can confirm that although there is an ongoing police investigation, neither myself nor any member of my family are the subject of that investigation.”
New candidates
As well as the other three launch candidates representing Forward Guernsey, there are now three new names joining the political party.
They are Stuart Jehan, Sofi Naokes, and Dicky Parmar.
Mr Jehan has had a long career in the financial services industry, including a number of years based in Luxembourg.
He said: “I’ve been interested in politics for years and followed it closely whilst I was living away from the island. I was drawn to Forward Guernsey as a chance to stand as part of a team, supporting each other and committed to delivering a clear and cohesive suite of policies that address the island’s priorities.”
Ms Noakes has spent the largest part of her career working in the hospitality sector, before opening The Bean Jar café in the Arcade in 2023.
“I thought long and very hard before applying to be a candidate. I passionately want to represent those sections of our community that are under-represented in the States,” she said.
“I was attracted to Forward Guernsey because of their determination to try something new in local politics that can help deliver more cohesion and effective government, particularly for the parts of the community that I want to represent.”
Mr Parmar’s career has been primarily in the building sector including years of project management experience.
“Forward Guernsey’s highly organised and professional approach is how I am used to working and appeals to me,” he said.
“The application and selection process was reassuringly robust. I could have stood as an independent, but I want to be accountable to the electorate. Standing as part of the team with the most comprehensive manifesto in the election enables that accountability.”
The three new Forward Guernsey members join first time candidates Tom Rylatt and Rhona Humphreys, who had previously been announced as party candidates.
The party also includes current States member Gavin St Pier who has confirmed he is seeking reelection.
Ms Humphreys, the party’s Treasurer said: “We are thrilled that three more new faces are standing in the election as Forward Guernsey candidates. Each brings a fresh perspective and different background.
“We will be holding an open evening at Les Cotils for potential candidates interested in joining the party from 630pm to 830pm tonight.”