Guernsey is at a crossroads, facing some of the most complex challenges in its modern history. I’m standing for re-election with a proven track record of tackling big issues, challenging the status quo and working collaboratively across government, industry and our community. My focus is on urgent priorities and delivering practical, achievable solutions through pragmatic politics.
Manifesto
My track record as a first-time deputy
In 2020, I ran on the premise of getting things done – bringing new energy and collaboration to the States. Here are just some examples of how I delivered against that commitment.
Economic Development
Serving on Economic Development has given me valuable insights into the committee system of government and establishing myself as a reliable team player, not afraid to ask challenging questions. It’s also allowed me to lead key initiatives like launching the Innovate Board, advancing digital connectivity through fibre and 5G, creating the Guernsey Enterprise Incentive Scheme and understanding childcare sector needs.
Planning
Our committee brought a more pragmatic, common-sense approach to planning playing its part in tackling the housing crisis by expanding exemptions, streamlining Development Frameworks, proposing new housing allocation sites and approving major developments through Open Planning Meetings. Building Bridges Collaboration is key in our system of government, and I am one of the few who have walked the walk and made a concerted effort to work with deputies across the political spectrum. This is particularly visible through my collaboration with nearly half of the Guernsey deputies on amendments and non-committee propositions.
Championing Economic Thinking
I’ve consistently pushed for more ambitious and innovative approaches to economic development and a need for a longer-term vision for our community – championing the commercialisation of States’ trading assets and supporting the establishment of the Guernsey Development Agency, two key manifesto commitments from 2020.
Constituency support
I’ve actively supported islanders with queries and concerns, often working behind the scenes to make change happen – like helping to secure a successful shift to the summer-born admission policy with the Education Committee.
Challenging the Status Quo
My experience on Planning helped me better see the shortcomings of the States’ lack of delivery on housing – prompting me to bring a successful requête to establish a dedicated Housing Committee, the most significant change to government structure since 2016.
Manifesto priorities
A strong, fair economy means everyone can contribute—through meaningful work, family life, and active participation in our community—while enjoying a good quality of life.
The Priorities opposite reflect where our key challenges and opportunities lie and align with voices of our business bodies, charity and community.
But none of this is possible without a sustainable tax reform and rebuilding trust that public services are run efficiently and deliver real value.
Sustainable Public Finances
We’re no longer balancing the books—Zero-10, low economic growth and an ageing population have eft us unable to fund housing, schools, hospital, IT without exhausting our savings in a few years.
Closing the deficit through cuts alone leads to unpalatable choices—like defunding Colleges, slashing the Sports Commission grant or charging cancer patients in A&E—all of which proved deeply unpopular and were reversed or rejected. Even standing still costs more, as inflation, regulation and demographic pressures keep driving up the cost of public services.
The burden of taxation has concentrated even further on the working population. The cost of living is especially hard for young people who cannot afford the housing or the childcare and are making the hard decision to move away or even not to have children.
There’s growing recognition that we need to raise more revenue—but what’s still missing is a tax reform that carries broad public support.
Tax reform must:
- Increase contributions from the corporate sector to close the gap created by Zero-10
- Shift reliance away from taxing employment, diversifying revenue sources
- Protect low- and middle-income households
- Review tax caps and investment company taxation
- Include childcare support through allowances or grants
- Ensure timely and efficient tax collection
Efficient delivery of public services
While raising revenue is essential, delivering public services efficiently must be a top priority. There are still serious concerns about rising costs and whether services are being run as effectively as they should be.
There’s a lack of trust that proposed tax increases will be enough—and real questions about which services government should be providing. These are vital issues with no quick fix. Addressing them will require sustained effort from deputies, the civil service, and the wider community.
We must review which services should be publicly funded—this will be central to the upcoming Fundamental Services Review.
Clearer lines of responsibility and stronger accountability are essential; too often, these have become blurred in our current system of government.
We need to strengthen partnerships with industry—through public-private collaborations, commissioning, and by drawing more effectively on the expertise and funding available on-island. Innovation, digital tools, and AI can help us deliver services more efficiently and adapt to future needs.
Above all, we must rebuild trust. That means resetting the culture, improving communication, and involving both the public and industry more closely in policy development and delivery.
Priority themes to build economic resilience
Housing
Objective: Accelerate homebuilding to support renters, first-time buyers and homeowners
Education and Skills
Objective: Strengthen secondary school outcomes, expand childcare access and launch a long-term skills strategy
Healthcare and Quality of Life
Objective: Create a more sustainable, affordable healthcare system that strengthens overall health and wellbeing
Capital Investment and Infrastructure
Objective: Boost productive investment across both public and private sectors
Connectivity
Objective: Improve the reliability and affordability of air travel and strengthen ferry links with France
Innovation, Productivity and AI
Objective: Harness innovation and AI to deliver high-value products and services for local and global markets
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Want to know more?
For further details on each area of my manifesto, please visit my website sashakazantseva.com
About me
I live in the parish of St Peter Port with my husband and our three children, all born in the Princess Elizabeth Hospital. Before being elected in 2020, I served on the Guernsey Ports board, helped launch Startup Guernsey, ran my own consulting and investment company and a local business called Islandmums.
I fell in love with Guernsey for its strong community spirit. I am a passionate supporter of local sport and the third sector, having represented Guernsey in padel against Jersey in 2024 and in volleyball in the 2017 Island Games.
Before moving to Guernsey and making it our home, I worked for Google, L’Oréal and Agoda.com. I hold an MBA from INSEAD and BSc from the London School of Economics.