Early Guernsey general election proposed

The next general election is planned for June 2025, but the BBC has been told it could take place earlier

Proposals for an early general election in Guernsey are set to be lodged, it has emerged.

It follows plans for goods and services tax (GST) and tax reform being thrown out by deputies.

The next general election is planned for June 2025, but the BBC has been told it could take place earlier.

Guernsey's Policy and Resources Committee's (P&R) plans for tax reform to balance the books were defeated by States members.

'Need an election'

The States Assembly and Constitution Committee organises elections in Guernsey.

President of the committee, Deputy Carl Meerveld, said the earliest an election could happen would be the last quarter of 2024.

Guernsey Chief Minister Peter Ferbrache said: "We have got to be responsible.

"We are going to seek an early election if the States so decides because we're at an impasse.

"Whoever is in charge is not able to do anything, we need an election and the public can then vote."

Former Treasury Minister Deputy Charles Parkinson called on P&R to consider their positions.

He said: "This is the third time they have brought GST to the States and they've once again been comprehensively defeated on their flagship policy".

He said if the committee stepped down he would be happy to stand for a seat on it.

Deputy Chief Minister and vice-president of P&R Mark Helyar agreed that an early general election was the best way forward for the States, but that he would not be resigning.

He said: "The problem isn't going to change, the impasse we have between two factions in the States isn't going to change and we perhaps need some fresh faces and a fresh approach."