De Sausmarez becomes first female chief minister

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez has been elected as Guernsey's first female president of the Policy and Resources Committee (P&R).

She beat Deputies Jonathan Le Tocq and Mark Helyar in the election after being proposed by Deputy Tina Bury and seconded by Deputy Marc Lainé.

She received 22 votes from deputies in a secret ballot to become the island's new chief minister.

As part of her pitch for the job, she promised to review the island's tax system before the end of the year.

De Sausmarez said, when it came to issues such as the island's population, there needed to be a better approach to policy co-ordination from the States' top committee.

"We need P&R to do some high level strategic planning, rather than constantly firefighting," she said.

In an interview just after her election, de Sausmarez said she was "surprised" she received as many votes as she did from her colleagues.

She would not be drawn on who she would put forward as members of P&R on Wednesday, but it is expected former Chief Minister Gavin St Pier, Deputy Charles Parkinson and defeated candidate Jonathan le Tocq will be nominated by de Sausmarez.

However, anyone can stand from the floor.

When asked for her views on the introduction of GST [goods and services tax] in 2027, de Sausmarez said: "I think the electorate has made clear through the election results that there is still a degree of concern over the GST package.

"I think it would be not sensible to put a spanner in the work on that package.

"I do think it's important we go and look into other options, the community wants greater clarity, and reassurance on the impacts and mitigations.

"They want to know no stones have been left unturned before new taxes are introduced."

Following de Sausmarez's election, Jersey Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham shared his congratulations.

In a letter, he described the election as a "significant moment for the people of Guernsey".

He added he was "confident through continued collaboration" they could "deliver real benefits for our communities".

In his pitch for the job, Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq said: "I believe strongly in consensus, not combat; and I believe the presidency of Policy and Resources should be held by someone who can unite, not divide."

He added he would be keen to continue as lead on P&R for external relations.

Former Vice-President of P&R Mark Helyar received 11 votes, while Le Tocq got seven.

Helyar said as P&R president he would ensure the introduction of GST to stabilise the island's economy.

Last year, the States agreed to introduce tax reforms, including a 5% GST, lower income tax rates for earnings under £30,000 and social security reform, to start in 2027.

On Friday, Helyar said he would run to become the President of the States Trading Supervisory Board, which oversees entities like Guernsey Electricity and States-owned airline Aurigny.

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