Paul Montague

Manifesto

My values are rooted in lifelong learning, fairness, and open-mindedness. Working with young people for decades has shown me how connected our challenges are, and how much strength lies in our local communities. I am optimistic about Guernsey’s future: we can work together, take ownership of our problems and build a better tomorrow.

For 30 years I have been a teacher in Guernsey’s public sector, since returning home in 1995. I have represented teachers through the National Education Union and chaired the Negotiating Committee for Teachers and Lecturers; these roles have taught me how honest communication and compromise are essential. I have also served for many years on the Guernsey Rowing Club committee, gaining insight into the vital role our clubs and societies play in community cohesion

Faster, Smarter, More Respectful Politics

Our political system must evolve. I am open-minded about reducing the number of deputies or adopting a more executive form of government. While parties may eventually emerge, the urgent need is to shift the culture. We must promote collaboration, early input on policy and fewer last-minute amendments.

I have worked with many civil servants who are incredibly dedicated, but structural inefficiencies persist. We must support the new Chief Executive and Head of Public Service in driving reform.

Public debate also needs improvement. Social media is no substitute for open, informed discussion. Parish-based “citizens’ assemblies” and our community forums can help build trust and broaden participation. Democracy only works when people feel heard and involved.

A Healthier, Happier Guernsey

Everyday we see how mental health challenges affect young people. If students cannot attend school, their
prospects shrink. But we must distinguish between diagnosable mental illness and the normal challenges of growing up. Support should be practical and help people return to education, work and life.

This means supporting school counselling, digital literacy and more parental involvement. We need honest conversations about the effects of smartphones and social media. I support a community-led ban on smartphones for primary-age children; not out of moral panic but genuine concern for their well-being.

Our new multi-agency collaborative model is vital for early intervention. Preventative approaches improve lives and save money. Supporting vulnerable people early must remain a core priority.

Guernsey is rightly proud of its hard-working healthcare staff. However, we must not be complacent; we must support our Health and Social Care services to plan for our changing demographic profile in the coming years.

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Education: Our Island’s Foundation

My experience in education has shown how damaging political indecision can be. The chaos over the past 10 years has harmed students’ opportunities. This turmoil must not happen again, in education or elsewhere.

Excellent education is a moral and economic necessity. People are our greatest resource and we must help to unlock everyone’s potential. The secondary sector has undergone major change; now we must support our schools to foster ambition and raise aspirations. Disruption caused by poor behaviour should not hold
anyone back. We need to attract and retain committed teachers by making their work more rewarding and
sustainable.

Culture is key to success in schools, but they cannot build it alone. The move towards governing bodies is a step in the right direction, but families and the wider community must engage too. Everyone shares responsibility for supporting our young people.

Ofsted has judged our primary schools to be good but further progress is needed. A review of primary provision must avoid the mistakes of the secondary sector reform. Post-16, we must complete the Further Education campus on time and support the Sixth Form Centre at La Mare until it has a permanent home. Physical infrastructure does matter alongside culture, consistency and leadership.

Housing: A Home for All

The phrase “Priced out of Paradise” originated in Hawaii but resonates in Guernsey too. Our housing crisis is not unique, but it is severe. Affordability, access and suitability all need urgent attention.

The 2023 Guernsey Housing Plan rightly aims for affordable, secure and efficient housing for all. It identified “systemic market failure” – a finding few would contest. Now we must act. We must support local first-time buyers, allow smart use of States-owned land and review our planning restrictions.

We also must address the specific needs of key workers, older people and young families. There are no easy
answers; but we cannot delay.

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Our Economy: Dare to Grow

To ensure long-term prosperity, we need honest dialogue about public finances. Spending cuts alone will not solve our problems. I support diversifying our tax base and do not favour relying entirely on income tax increases.

The current GST+ proposal raises valid concerns, even though it does include measures to protect lower earners. However, it cannot be implemented unless it has wider public support. It must be clearly explained and be part of a broader, fairer tax strategy. We also need to start exploring a 0-15 corporate tax rate in collaboration with Jersey. My priority is ensuring any changes are responsible and promote growth.