One of Guernsey’s new deputies has stood down from her committee role on Education, Sport, and Culture for personal reasons.
Deputy Jayne Ozanne has made the decision just four months after being elected on to the committee following the death of her mother.
“Sadly I feel that I must, for personal reasons, step down from the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture at the earliest opportunity,” she said.
“The last two months have been particularly difficult for me and I now need to give time to sorting out matters to do with my late mother’s estate and to grieve.”
She added that working on ESC had been a “privilege” and a “joy” and that she intends to continue with her work on another Principal Committee – Employment and Social Security – and the less pressurised Transport Licensing Authority.
“It has been a real privilege and joy to work with my fellow ESC Committee members under the excellent leadership of Deputy Montague on what I see as one of our most critically important committees, which has a very broad and far-reaching mandate,” she said.
“I hope my successor can be elected swiftly, ideally at the next States meeting. To avoid the confusion of any doubt, I will be remaining on both the Committee for Employment & Social Security, for which I am Vice-President and the Transport Licensing Authority.”
ESC President, Deputy Paul Montague, said Deputy Ozanne had been a valued Member of the Committee who would be missed but he hopes her replacement can be swiftly elected.
“I was sorry to learn of Jayne’s decision because she has been a valued Member of our Committee and we will miss her contribution. However, I fully understand her reasons given her personal circumstances.
“I want to publicly thank Jayne for her efforts while on the Committee and wish her well.
“The Committee will shortly begin discussions with States Members about the vacant seat on the Committee before nominating a candidate for consideration by the Assembly.”
This will be the second time an election has been held for a committee seat since the States filled all the roles in July.
At that time there was little opposition to the majority of Policy and Resources nominations for the committee presidencies, and the presidents’ own picks for their committee members.
Deputy Yvonne Burford was initially elected as President of the Development and Planning Authority but she has since moved to P&R, replacing Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq who remains unavailable.
Deputy Neil Inder took on the presidency of the DPA last month, alongside his existing mandate as member of the Transport Licensing Authority.
Three deputies are currently known as ‘backbenchers’ without any committee role so far.
They are deputies Chris Blin, Rob Curgenven, and David Goy. It is likely ESC may look to one of them to fill the vacant seat.