States Members’ Numbers Review Committee Advances

Deputies have provisionally supported the establishment of a special committee tasked with examining the size of the States membership. The initiative, put forth by Deputies Jonathan Le Tocq and Heidi Soulsby, garnered support from 21 States members, while 13 members opposed it. A separate proposal, presented by Deputy John Gollop, aimed at expanding the number of politicians within Guernsey’s States, secured only three votes. Conversely, an attempt by Deputy Neil Inder to decrease the States membership by five was narrowly rejected, with 19 politicians in favor and 19 against. This newly formed committee is mandated to present its findings to the States by the close of 2026, covering the appropriate number of States members and the extent of representation from the States of Alderney. During the discussion, Alex Snowdon, the Alderney Representative, advocated for an inquiry into allowing Alderney residents to participate in Guernsey’s general elections. Deputies Yvonne Burford and Heidi Soulsby also advanced a proposition for establishing a special committee to examine the island’s electoral system in conjunction with the number of deputies. This particular proposal was narrowly defeated, with 17 votes in favor and 18 against. The establishment of the new committee remains contingent on deputies’ approval of the final propositions. Earlier in the current term, a group formed by Policy and Resources, which was assigned to review the island’s governmental structure, was “paused” due to its inability to reach a consensus. Upon its establishment in 2025, this new States’ Investigation & Advisory Committee will be formed of: