Alderney goes to the polls next week in what could be its last election under the current system.
The island currently elects five States Members every two years.
Alderney’s Policy and Finance Committee has started work to reform its States however, with a number of proposals being submitted to Guernsey’s Law Officers for consideration including a suggestion that the number of States Members should be reduced to eight, with them all elected every four years in the future.
That remains just a proposal currently, with nine candidates nominated for this year’s election to fill five seats in the States of Alderney.
Voters will choose their preferred candidates on Saturday 21 November.
A ‘speed hustings’ has been arranged for Wednesday 18 November to help voters decide who to support, with each of the nine candidates invited to attend.
The ‘speed hustings’ will be held at the Island Hall from 19:00.
It will follow the same format as first staged in 2024, giving as many people as possible the chance to ask questions.
“We hope that this approach will give members of the community the opportunity to get a real sense of what each candidate offers,” said the President of the States of Alderney, William Tate.
The nine candidates in Alderney’s election comprise a mix of experienced politicians, previous candidates, and political newcomers.
Haydn Bateman
Mr Bateman previously stood for election in the 2024 election and the by-election in March 2025.
His manifesto for the 2025 by-election focused on housing, sustainability, connectivity, and transparency. His 2026 manifesto was not online at the time of writing.
Mr Bateman is a member of the Alderney Freemasons, and is known to carry out charitable work on its behalf.
Jeannie Cameron
The current Chair of the Policy and Finance Committee, Ms Cameron was first elected to the States of Alderney in March 2025 through a by-election.
Ms Cameron shared her manifesto with Express.
In it she states that progress has been made but there is “more to do”.
“I’m standing again in this election because I believe there is still much to be done and important work already underway that I would very much like to see through with a full term in office,” she wrote.
“I care deeply about Alderney, its people and its future, and I hope my efforts over the past 18 months have demonstrated that commitment. I’ve learned a lot about what does and doesn’t work in the States and these learned insights are a good platform to continue more effective progress.”
Lin Maurice
Ms Maurice is a former long-standing States Member.
Her manifesto is available at alderneyelections.gg
The relationship with Guernsey, fixing the airport and runway, water storage, all feature in her manifesto along with calls for the old Connaught Care Home to be used as sheltered housing, and a suggestion that all matters of public relevance to go to a referendum.
Steve Roberts
Mr Roberts is a former States Member and a former Alderney Representative in the States of Guernsey.
Mr Roberts’ manifesto is not available online at the time of writing.
He has previously spoken out against the introduction of GST, and backed support measures for lower earners in tax reform proposals.
Mr Roberts has raised concerns, including recently, on air travel woes – leading to the creation of the Air Connectivity Oversight Working Group this year.
He has also recently appealed for calm after recent disputes over a mooted data centre in the island.
Derwent Smithurst
Mr Smithurst was first elected to the States of Alderney in 2022, and he is seeking re-election for another four year term.
Mr Smithurst is Vice-Chair of the General Services Committee and he sits on Policy and Finance and the Economic Development Committee.
A former Aurigny pilot turned Aviation Consultant, Mr Smithurst was also previously a Director of Alpha Estates in Alderney.
His manifesto is not available online at the time of writing.
Heather Syer
Ms Syer will be Alderney’s youngest ever States Member if elected, and one of the youngest ever across the Channel Islands.
At 21 years old, she has lived in Alderney since she was just two, and says she’ll bring a “fresh perspective” to the island’s governance if elected.
Her manifesto is available at alderneyelections.gg and details priorities including housing, connectivity, community wellbeing, sports, healthcare, and educational opportunities.
Ian Taylor
Mr Taylor’s manifesto is available at alderneyelections.gg
The Station Manager of Riduna Radio has been a vocal supporter of plans to repair and upgrade Alderney’s airport and runway.
Better sea and air connectivity are no surprises in his manifesto, along with his views on education, healthcare, and Alderney’s relationship with Guernsey.
He also promises to get to the bottom of information around a mooted data centre if elected.
William Walden
Also known as Bill Walden, he is a past member of the States of Alderney, seeking re-election.
His manifesto, available at alderneyelections.gg, details his past political experience in Alderney and the States of Guernsey.
“My previous States experience has taught me that persuasion, cooperation and compromise achieves far more than confrontation and rigidity,” he wrote.
Air and sea connectively feature in Mr Walden’s manifesto along with the data centre, housing, and sustainability.
Sarah Woodnutt
Ms Woodnutt is a first-time candidate.
Her manifesto, available at alderneyelections.gg, covers the environment, education, travel links, and more.
Referencing transparency concerns, she pledges to “bring more transparency to the relationship between the States and the voters who rely on them” if elected.
The election is being held on Saturday 21 November at the Island Hall.
Registered voters can support up to five candidates – but don’t have to use all five votes if they don’t wish.
Anyone who is registered on the Electoral Roll can cast their vote between 09:30 and 18:30.
The results are expected to be declared later that evening.
