I’m Simon Vermeulen, a People’s Deputy since 2020, and I’m asking for your support as I seek re-election. Over the past four and a half years, I’ve fought hard for our community, and I’m not done yet. As a father, grandfather, and husband, I’m deeply invested in Guernsey’s future. With challenges like demographic change, housing pressures, and economic sustainability ahead, we need experienced, principled leadership. I believe in Guernsey and in shaping a resilient, prosperous future for all. Now is not the time for guesswork, it is a time for action, integrity, and vision. Let’s finish what we started, together.
Manifesto
Background:
Before entering politics, I built my career as a businessman and hotelier, running the former La Grande Mare Hotel on Guernsey’s beautiful West Coast. Since being elected to the States in 2020, I’ve served as Vice President of Home Affairs and sat on the Economic Development Committee, where I’ve taken particular responsibility for tourism, construction, and retail, sectors that are vital to our island’s economy and identity.
I’m a proud father of four, a lifelong boating enthusiast, and a former powerboat racer. Outside of politics, you’ll often find me by the sea or racing Scalextric cars with the grandchildren!
INTEGRITY – EXPERIENCE – VISION
My values: integrity, experience, and vision are at the heart of everything I do. I believe that politics should be grounded in honesty, transparency, and always putting Guernsey’s best interests first. With a background in business and a term of experience in government, I understand how to tackle complex issues and deliver practical results. But I also believe in looking ahead shaping a sustainable, successful future for our island. These values guide every decision I make, both in the States and in everyday conversations with our community.
Key Political Achievements
Over the past political term, I’ve worked hard to deliver real outcomes for our island across a range of key areas.
Sustainable sea connectivity was significantly strengthened with the awarding of the ferry tender to Brittany Ferries, now providing daily sailings to France, alongside efforts to secure improved links with Jersey. As Vice President of Home Affairs, I played a pivotal role in ensuring Guernsey passed its vital MONEYVAL inspection—an achievement that safeguards our global reputation and strengthens confidence from international partners, banks, and investors.
I championed local industry by securing a 50% duty discount for small distillers, aligning them with brewers and cider makers, and supported the creation of a new Tourism Management Board and visitor levy, laying the foundation for long-term investment and growth in our tourism sector. Progress was also made on The Guernsey Institute, with construction now underway, and I was proud to contribute as an interim governor during this vital phase.
I’ve always stood by my principles, even when difficult, opposing GST, challenging underperformance in air connectivity, and supporting a vote of no confidence in the former Policy & Resources Committee when progress stalled. I backed funding for Guernsey’s private colleges, championed closer collaboration between private and States schools, and pushed for greater fiscal responsibility, including a failed but important proposal to reduce States spending by £27.8m. I also supported key public health measures, including the ban on disposable vapes.
Throughout my term, I’ve remained fully engaged. I’ve attended every States meeting, listening carefully in debate, and always being accessible to support constituents and businesses in overcoming challenges. My commitment has been to act with integrity, to represent the voice of the people, and to help build a better future for Guernsey.
What Still Needs to be Done
Looking ahead, Guernsey must focus on building a resilient, diverse economy that supports local people, attracts investment, and delivers sustainable prosperity. This means political stability, targeted support for key sectors like financial services, digital innovation, tourism, and local business, and a renewed push to support entrepreneurs and small enterprises. Housing remains a major constraint on growth, we need to deliver affordable housing for all. Education reform is equally urgent; every young person deserves a high-quality education, and we must raise standards, improve outcomes, and ensure the system is fit for the future. Connectivity—by air and sea must also be a top priority. While sea links have improved, we need greater resilience and reliability at the airport, a stronger airline mandate, and progress on key infrastructure like EMAS and a future-focused runway strategy.
Tax reform, too, is essential but GST is not the answer. I remain firmly against it and instead support a broader, fairer, and more competitive tax base, including a full review of individual tax caps and realistic revenue measures. Guernsey also needs to invest in its infrastructure, with developments like the Pool Marina and a deep-water berth vital for our future competitiveness. A refreshed approach to tourism including a potential Tourism Minister would help amplify our international appeal. Finally, we must improve the culture and effectiveness of government. That means streamlining committees, improving decision-making, reviewing how States Trading operates, and building a respectful, constructive environment that gets the best out of everyone from political colleagues to the civil service.
You can view my full manifesto and achievements on my website: www.simonv.gg.
Please Vote Vermeulen and let’s finish what we started together, making Guernsey the best it can be.