Serving as a People’s Deputy since 2020 has been an honour for me, a lifelong Guernsey resident. My career locally has always focused on supporting our community. Guernsey's unique experience, with its strong sense of community, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, inspires my commitment to sustainable housing development, environmental protection, and prioritizing local businesses. Together, we can ensure Guernsey remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family, and I am dedicated to continuing to shape our island’s future.
Manifesto
It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as a People’s Deputy since the first island wide general election in 2020. Born and raised here, I have always called Guernsey my home. Through my various roles in the local transport and logistics sector, being involved with the distribution of products or people around the island, Bailiwick or Globe, I have consistently sought to support and serve our community. Throughout my working life I have thrived on interaction and providing a great service for all my customers – something I can translate into Guernsey politics. Living in Guernsey is a unique experience, characterised by our strong sense of community, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
I am committed to preserving and enhancing our island life by:
- Promoting sustainable housing development,
- Protecting our environment,
- Prioritising and supporting local businesses and the community.
Together, we can ensure that Guernsey remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. I would like to build on those values and continue to help shape our island’s future.
MANIFESTO
From a young age, I have been deeply involved in local politics, observing my father, Brian, serve on the St. Peter Port Douzaine and later as a States member. This early exposure shaped my understanding of public service as a hands-on, community-focused role. My own journey from the Douzaine to declaring my candidacy in 2020 and subsequently becoming a States member has been driven by a commitment to serve the public and foster healthy debate and collaboration within the Assembly.
I will work for you and the community, and I will continue to advocate for and support our third sector volunteers who often go unnoticed. I will work collaboratively with all of the elected assembly as I have done this term.
Hands-on Public Service
My vision for public service is rooted in direct engagement with constituents. I believe in being accessible and responsive, whether through face-to-face interactions or addressing concerns in writing. My experience has shown that many issues can be resolved through effective communication and connecting people with the right resources or services. I am committed to maintaining this hands-on approach to ensure that your voice is heard, and concerns are addressed.
Housing
Guernsey faces a fundamental challenge: demand for housing continues to outstrip the supply of properties that are the right size and tenure. Access to suitable housing can contribute to the stability of our economic sector, enabling business growth and workforce retention. The Guernsey Housing Plan (GHP) was introduced by the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure (E&I), it aims to address the island's significant housing pressures by ensuring access to appropriate, secure, and energy-efficient homes The GHP already prioritises six key areas: social housing delivery, private market supply, private rental sector, market niches, housing quality and energy efficiency, underpinned by accurate collection of data and evidence.
The plan seeks to tackle systemic market failures and improve housing conditions for all residents, which we know is an acute problem affecting the community and economy.
I will, if re-elected, work to introduce measures to include incentives for private developments, enable modular construction options, introduce energy efficiencies to help lower utility bills and ease the cost of living pressures and introduce enhanced protections for landlords and tenants. I am committed to continuing with this comprehensive approach to drive sustainable, positive change in Guernsey’s housing market, for all of us.
Adapting to change
In an ever-changing world, Guernsey must remain nimble, agile and responsive to new challenges and opportunities. I advocate for policies that enable us to adapt swiftly to economic, technological, and environmental changes. By fostering innovation and flexibility, we can build a resilient and prosperous future for our island. The leasing of our seabed for the introduction of wind farms is just one of these examples, which I support.
Problem solving
Effective governance requires practical solutions to real-world problems. I am dedicated to addressing the issues that matter most to our community through evidence-based policies and collaborative decision-making. I strongly support the Scrutiny Committee and welcome the challenges it offers. Whether that is tackling housing affordability, improving infrastructure, or enhancing public services, I am committed to finding solutions that work for everyone.
Local environment
As someone who has grown up on this beautiful island, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities we face. The island's unique landscapes, biodiversity, and coastal areas not only support our native and unique wildlife, but also attract visitors, students and study groups, contributing significantly to the economy. Respecting and preserving these natural assets is crucial for maintaining the island's charm and ecological balance. However, it is equally important to ensure that everyone can enjoy these natural spaces. This requires a balanced approach that promotes sustainable practices, protects natural habitats, and accommodates development and recreational needs sympathetically.
I will continue to work hard to protect and enhance our local environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from the same natural beauty we cherish today, while fostering a thriving, accessible community.
Taxation and structural deficit
Addressing Guernsey’s structural deficit is crucial for our financial stability. I believe in a fair and balanced approach to taxation that supports our economy without placing undue burden on residents. I generally oppose the introduction of a Goods and Services Tax (GST), as, on its own it will disproportionately affect lower-income households and can stifle economic growth. Instead, I advocate for exploring alternative revenue sources and optimising our existing tax framework to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This could include a territorial corporate tax on profits earned within Guernsey, encouraging local investment, a tiered corporate tax system such as a zero/15 framework, taxes on activities that harm the environment, a luxury goods tax on high value non-essential items, raising or even abolishing our income tax cap, all the while ensuring tax revenues are spent wisely with transparency.
Health
A healthy community is a thriving community. I will work to improve our healthcare system by ensuring that it is accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all islanders. This includes investing in mental health services and promoting preventive care, while supporting our healthcare professionals. I also support the introduction of assisted dying in Guernsey. I believe that individuals facing terminal illness should have the right to choose a dignified end to their suffering. Assisted dying provides a compassionate option, respecting autonomy and personal choice. This practice is already accepted in several jurisdictions worldwide, demonstrating its potential to be implemented safely and ethically. To ensure the integrity of this process, I advocate for robust safeguards to prevent abuse or coercion. These safeguards should include thorough assessments by medical professionals, a defined minimum residency period, coupled with strict legal oversight to protect vulnerable individuals while upholding ethical standards.
Diversity and inclusion
Guernsey’s strength lies in its diversity. I am committed to fostering an inclusive society where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background. This includes promoting equal opportunities, combating discrimination, and celebrating the rich cultural tapestry that makes our island and its people unique.
Infrastructure development
The necessity of improving Guernsey's infrastructure, including transportation and public services, to enhance the quality of life for residents, is essential. I will build on the commitments made in my previous manifesto, focusing on promoting the development of the eastern seaboard, including the Guernsey Development Agency (GDA) and our harbours. These projects are vital for our economic growth and will create new opportunities for businesses and residents alike. I am committed to ensuring that these developments are carried out sustainably and with the input of our community. Additionally, I fully support the Bridge regeneration project. This initiative is crucial for revitalising the area, boosting local businesses, and improving the quality of life for residents. By investing in the Bridge, we can create a vibrant, thriving hub that benefits everyone in our community.
Commitment
My commitment to Guernsey is deeply personal, rooted in my family's history and my own experiences. I am passionate about making a positive impact and ensuring that our island continues to be a place where everyone can thrive. Let's work together to build a brighter future for Guernsey, one where our community spirit and shared values guide us forward.
My campaign is built on a foundation of hands-on public service, effective communication, and a commitment to addressing your issues. I am dedicated to serving the community with integrity, transparency, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. If Guernsey truly is at a crossroads, then let’s put a filter in turn in place not a red traffic light eh!
Proposer: Wayne Bulpitt
CBE Seconder: Heidi Soulsby MBE