Deputy Heidi Soulsby has announced she will step down from Guernsey politics this summer after 13 years in the States, fulfilling her own personally held belief in a three-term limit.
In a statement issued to the media last night, Deputy Soulsby wrote that she feels it’s time for new challenges outside of island politics after more than a decade in the States.
“I have always believed that politicians should serve a maximum of three consecutive terms before taking a break and, as I have approached the end of this one, I feel it is the right thing for me to do.
“I have put my heart and soul into the role of People’s Deputy, but I am ready to take time out to look for new challenges outside of politics where I hope I can make a positive impact.”
Deputy Soulsby has held many roles during her three terms in office, including that of HSC President before and during the covid pandemic.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of Guernsey,” she wrote. “There have been frustrating and disappointing moments for sure, and this term has seen more than its fair share of those, but these have been outnumbered by the positives.
“I never believed when I stood for election back in 2012 what a rollercoaster ride it would be. Starting as the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee and progressing to being President of the Committee for Health and Social Care and subsequently Deputy Chief Minister, there have been major issues to contend with, not least of which was a global pandemic.”
While acknowledging the difficulties and frustrations of her time in office, particularly during the pandemic, and her time leading Health & Social Care, Deputy Soulsby has also expressed gratitude to the people of Guernsey, her colleagues, and her family for their support.
“I am most proud of what was achieved at Health & Social Care, which showed what could be done when people work together in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
“Indeed, I have met so many people across Guernsey who have been such an inspiration to me, from inside and outside the States, from business to charities, from the youngest to the oldest. All, in their different ways, have given me new perspectives that have helped shape my views and enable me act in the best interests of islanders. To them I say a big thank you.
“Above all I would like to thank my friends and family, especially my husband Phil, for their moral support these past 13 years. I could not have done it without them.”
While Deputy Soulsby has said she may return to politics in the future, she’s now calling for new ideas and accountability from those who will follow her in to the States this June.
She wishes them well in addressing the island’s challenges.
“It is quite possible that I will stand again in the future but, for now, it is for others to come up with new workable ideas, try to solve current and future problems and be held accountable for their decisions.
“It won’t be easy. We face challenges internally and externally, some that we know about and others that we can’t foresee or control, but I wish those who are elected in June all the best in the next term. I will be watching with interest.”
Deputy Heidi Soulsby’s tenure
First elected in 2012, in a district election representing the South East, Deputy Soulsby has consistently performed strongly at the ballot box.
She topped the poll in her district before receiving the second highest number of votes in Guernsey’s first ever island wide election in October 2020.
Deputy Soulsby has held multiple senior positions during her 13 years in Guernsey’s Political cast, serving as President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, and the first female Deputy Chief Minister of Guernsey as the Vice-President of Guernsey’s Policy & Resources Committee.
Deputy Soulsby has also served as Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Deputy Minister of the Health and Services Department, and as a member of the Scrutiny Committee, Constitutional Investigation Committee, and Commerce and Employment Department.