Majority of Guernsey States deputies against early election

More than half of Guernsey's deputies told the BBC they would not vote for an early general election

More than half of Guernsey's States members have told the BBC they won't vote for an early general election.

The Policy and Resources Committee (P&R) proposed an election before June 2025 after the states rejected its plans for tax reform.The BBC has spoken to 20 deputies who said they would not support an early election, while 11 politicians supported one.

Deputy Carl Meerveld, who has responsibility for elections, said an early vote could not occur before October 2024.

He said a new electoral roll needed to be created and local laws had to be changed before a pending period could even start.

Chief Minister Peter Ferbrache said he believed there had to be a way of getting an election organised before then.

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Former chief minister Gavin St Pier agreed, posting on X, (formerly Twitter): "If we can respond to a pandemic, we can organise an election in less than 12 months."

Some senior politicians have also rejected calls for an early election.

Education, Sport and Culture President Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen and Environment and Infrastructure President Lindsay de Sausmarez both voiced their opposition.

Home Affairs President Rob Prow also did not think an election was the best way forward but he said he understood P&R's frustration.

He urged P&R members to "hang in there" and not resign from the committee.

Deputy Simon Vermeulen is among those who have thrown their support behind plans for an early election.

He said he was not afraid of the idea of having to re-stand for his seat.

What does the public think?

Jason Hobbs supported calls for an early election

Public opinion was divided on whether Guernsey should go to the polls before June 2025, when the next election is scheduled.

Jason Hobbs supported calls for an early election.

"It would be quite a positive thing for the island, the sooner they can do something the better," he said.

Andrew Ozanne said he was not convinced P&R members should resign

Andrew Ozanne was not supportive of calls for an early election, but he said the States needs to focus on becoming "less dysfunctional".

He said even though he thought P&R should consider its position, he was not convinced they should resign.

Vivienne Jones said there should be a focus from States members on being careful spending public money, arguing there were other priorities rather than an early election.

Vivienne Jones said there were other priorities over an early election