Senior Alderney Politician Resigns, By-Election Scheduled

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, attributing his decision to what he described as “political infighting” within the government. Theo Leijser, chief executive of the States of Alderney, 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 stated 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. In his resignation letter, Vooght said his relationship with William Tate, President of the States of Alderney, 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 November 14. 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.” Deputy Trott added that Mr. Vooght took a responsible and pragmatic approach to Alderney’s relationship with Guernsey, engaging firmly but fairly. He continued: “I wish him well and thank him for his constructive approach to working with Guernsey on what are often challenging issues.”