Deputy Yvonne Burford has been confirmed as the top pick from Guernsey’s Policy and Resources Committee to join their ranks.
The most senior committee in the States is currently a member short, due to Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq being remanded in custody.
He stepped down from his role as P&R member, with responsibility for external relations, earlier this month, after being remanded in custody at the end of August. He has been charged with numerous criminal offences to which he has not yet entered any pleas. He remains a States Deputy.
Deputy Burford has the backing of Policy and Resources to take on the vacant committee role. She has what some would consider a remit from the public to take on a senior role.
She finished second in the Island Wide election earlier this year, just missing out on the top spot by 1,294 votes.
She has served nine years in the States so far, which also makes her one of the more experienced heads in the chamber, after the influx of new names and faces earlier this year.
It’s these experiences, and the leadership roles she held during that time, that attracted P&R to the possibility of Deputy Burford stepping up to the top table.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, the President of Policy and Resources, and the only deputy to receive more public votes than Deputy Burford said she is the right person for the role.
“Deputy Burford has a wealth of relevant political experience, having held several leadership roles and served on a broad range of States committees, boards and authorities during her nine years in the States,” she said.
“These include roles as President of the Scrutiny Management Committee in the previous term, which gave her a good grounding in the work of all other committees, and as a member of the Policy Council in the 2012-2016 term.”
Deputy de Sausmarez concluded: “Her professional experience and leading roles in third sector organisations also fit well with P&R’s work and style of engagement.”
It’s not yet known who else might be interested in taking on a membership position on Policy and Resources. Deputies David Goy, Marc Laine, and Chris Blin have previously expressed an interest and could be nominated from the floor during the debate.
Deputies are due to debate and vote on Deputy Le Tocq’s replacement during tomorrow’s States’ meeting.
More to follow…