Guernsey gets first woman Chief Minister

Lindsay de Sausmarez has been chosen as Guernsey's next Chief Minister.

The poll-topping politician has been selected by secret ballot in the States Assembly to become the president of Policy and Resources Committee.

She received 22 of the 40 available votes.

Former Chief Minister Jonathan Le Tocq won 7 votes and and ex Treasury Lead Mark Helyar had the backing of 11 fellow deputies.

Deputy De Sausmarez says she was encouraged to run by colleagues, members of the public and business leaders 'who thought I could bring people together and get things done'.

She said the electorate had voted for 'a change of approach' and 'a fresh start'.

In her ten-minute speech setting out her pitch for the top job, Deputy De Sausmarez said her nine years of experience in the States is from 'the other side of the table' to P&R, and so she understands how the senior committee can become more effective.

"If the election results reflect a shift in energy and emphasis, then I am the candidate who best embodies that change."

She said she would create new platforms to better use members' expertise and interests, open up P&R to the rest of the assembly with regular ne-to-ones with committee presidents and make herself available drop-ins with all States members.

"I don't pay lip-service to collaborative working.  I do it, and I do it well."

Deputy De Sausmarez secured more than 10,000 votes at last month's general election, topping the poll.

The new States Assembly, which is made up of 18 returning deputies, 17 newcomers to politics and three returning members, was sworn into office this morning.

Then followed their first duty, to choose the P&R President.

During his speech to the chamber, Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq told the Assembly he was the candidate who could hit the ground running.

" We need leadership that builds bridges rather than battlegrounds, we need plans, not just priorities, we need not just ambition but achievement."

He pledged to bring people together, believing in 'consensus, not combat' and told deputies that, as a father and grandfather he was acutely aware that young people must see a future here.  

"We don't need drama in our leadership.  We need direction."

Mark Helyar used his speech to warn of the impending financial crisis Guernsey faces 'within seven years' if the States Assembly does not 'enact without delay agreed policies on tax reforms'.

He said his first action would be to draft a law change to the Civil Contingencies legislation to trigger it in the event of an economic crisis.

"That is a direct reflection of how serious I consider our financial circumstances are becoming."

Deputy De Sausmarez said she would seek leading roles for both Deputies Le Tocq and Helyar.

Speaking after her victory, she said she was overwhelmed by the support.

Members of the P&R committee will be chosen tomorrow.