The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, and the Chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, Deputy Russell Labey, today announce that they are jointly to convene and Chair a working party to examine all aspects, practicalities and implications of the States Assembly either retaining the Bailiff as President of the States or alternatively electing a Speaker.
A broad range of Members from across the Assembly will be invited to join the working party, which will make a recommendation or recommendations for consideration by the States Assembly in early 2019.
Senator Le Fondré commented, “As Sir William will no doubt have anticipated, the announcement of his retirement has once again raised the clamour for change. He has kindly given the Assembly 12 months to determine the extent of any change and it is sensible to prepare the groundwork for that debate immediately."
Deputy Labey added, “A glance at our voting history suggests that the Chief Minister and I approach this question from differing viewpoints but I have huge respect both for John and all sides to this particular story and it's in that spirit that we will attempt to arrive at the best way forward."
A further announcement about the membership of the working party and its terms of reference will be made shortly.