Alderney to call by-election following resignation

Alderney will hold the election just two months after electing five States members

Alderney's government plans to call a by-election in 2025 following the resignation of its most senior politician.

Nigel Vooght stepped down as Chair of the Policy and Finance Committee on Sunday due to what he described as "political infighting" within the government.

States of Alderney chief executive Theo Leijser said Mr Vooght's "clarity of thought and tenacity" would be greatly missed in the role he had held since January 2023.

The States of Alderney said it will hold a by-election in the new year to find a replacement for Mr Vooght.

Mr Leijser said: "Real progress has been made over the past year in reaching important decisions and taking steps to repair the political relationship with Guernsey.

"Mr Vooght has worked tirelessly to seek solutions to our airport runway crisis and has proudly represented the island in top-flight delegations in Guernsey, the bailiwick and further afield."

'Best for the people'

In his resignation letter, Vooght said his relationship with President of the States of Alderney William Tate had "irreparably broken down".

A statement from Mr Tate's office confirmed it had been informed of Vooght's intention to resign from the States of Alderney with immediate effect on 14 November.

Guernsey's most senior politician, Deputy Lyndon Trott, said he was disappointed to learn of Vooght's decision to resign.

He said: "In all my dealings with him, I found Nigel to be a very capable person who was trying to do his best for the people of Alderney.

"He took a responsible and pragmatic approach to Alderney's relationship with Guernsey, engaging firmly but fairly.

"I wish him well and thank him for his constructive approach to working with Guernsey on what are often challenging issues."