One of the candidates in the upcoming election has spotted a loophole in the system which could immediately reduce the size of the States of Guernsey by one deputy before the new government has even started work.
David Reed has published his campaign website today, setting out his focus on one issue only.
He wants to reduce the number of deputies in the assembly.
He intends to do this by not taking up his position in the States if he is elected in June.
As the current States has already agreed to only hold a by-election when there are two or more seats vacant, Mr Reed’s campaign could see one seat left vacant long term – saving the island £200,000 over the next four years.
In an open letter to voters, published by Express today, Mr Reed explains his motives. His manifesto website gives more details about his plan.
“This campaign is about highlighting that there is an option, a mechanism, for us to reduce the size of the States now if we choose to take that path,” he told Express.
“Whether the electorate choose to go that way however is entirely in their hands. It’s not about what I want, it’s about what the island wants. This campaign is about a different idea, a different way of thinking. Let the people have their say.”
The States of Deliberation comprises 40 people, made up of 38 deputies elected by the people of Guernsey, and two States of Alderney Representatives.
Voters in Guernsey will choose their preferred 38 candidates in June.
Those elected will serve the island until 2029.
Deputy Mark Helyar had tried to reduce the number of deputies by 10, but that proposal was amended during the debate.
Deputy Neil Inder was almost successful with his attempt to cut five deputies from the States – losing the debate technically, because it was a tied vote.
The States did however agree to a review of the number of deputies – with the States Assembly and Constitution Committee told to report back to the chamber in good time before the next election, in 2029.
Campaigning begins
Mr Reed is not the only election candidate to have launched his campaign so far.
Forward Guernsey has four candidates so far; current Deputy Gavin St Pier, and first time candidates Rhona Humphreys, Ryan Courtney, and Tom Rylatt, with more invited to join the party if they pass the criteria.
Forward Guernsey says it will be adopting in its entirety the manifesto recently published by Future Guernsey.
That manifesto focuses on housing, improved Government efficiency, changing corporate tax rates, and tax breaks for under 30s.
Most of the potential candidates will be individuals though – with Jayne Ozanne, Sally Gilman, Charlie Edwards, and Barry Harris all using social media to declare their intention to stand for election.
Some potential candidates have gone so far as to declare what positions they would like in the States if they are elected in June, with justice campaigner Rob Curgenven believed to be eyeing up a seat on Home Affairs.
Many sitting deputies will be seeking re-election too, with Deputy Yvonne Burford stating on social media that she would be interested in a seat on Policy and Resources in the next States.
Other sitting deputies already declaring their intention to stand again include Charles Parkinson, Liam McKenna, Bob Murray, Mark Helyar, John Dyke, Simon Vermeulen, Carl Meerveld, John Gollop, and Marc Leadbeater.