I was born and raised in Guernsey and am proud to call it home for my young family. I am married to Joe and we have three girls who are currently all at St Martin’s Primary School. I was educated at Blanchelande College, Millfield, and UWE Bristol, where I studied business and property. I went on to spend 14 years as a Chartered Surveyor with Savills and GVA Billfigger, negotiating multimillion-pound deals that delivered real value. I bring that same commercial acumen to politics —cutting waste, driving reform, and delivering for our community.
This political term I have served as President of the Development and Planning Authority (DPA) and been part of the Housing Action Group. Last term I was a member of Home Affairs, Seafront Enhancement Area, the Property Portfolio Subcommittees and Vice President of the DPA
Manifesto
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Why I am different? Over the past two terms I have worked hard to bring practical, balanced and forward-thinking solutions to the many challenges our islands face. I strive to make myself as available as possible to the community, being one of the few deputies to regularly attend parish meetings and always being willing to answer any questions, however they arise. I value straight talk, clear answers, and getting things done. I have strived to represent you in the States with authenticity and commitment. I speak up when it matters and always fight for what I believe is right. I bring conviction, common sense, and a practical approach to every vote. I take the time to listen. My Achievements. When I took over as President of the DPA I inherited a system that was bogged down with red tape. In time I helped streamline its policies by bringing private sector methods to a once bureaucracy-heavy committee. Extended planning exemptions – We have streamlined minor development rules to reduce red tape and improve efficiency. Further exemptions will likely follow with the increased take up of renewable energy technology and systems. Section 46 is forcing the hand for derelict buildings to be cleared. Several letters have been sent along with a notice, and work has started on 3 derelict buildings. Zero-rated GP11 – By zero rating GP11 (effectively getting rid of it) which was holding back numerous building projects. We have encouraged public private partnerships to build housing and have 72 affordable units in the pipeline now. Temporary exemption for planning permission for certain changes of use of visitor accommodation into residential dwellings. Harbour Action Area – The Local Planning Brief provides a clear and forward-thinking framework to guide and coordinate development while protecting the character of the waterfront. Consulting closely with the Guernsey Development Agency (GDA). The streamlined amendment process makes updating the Island Development Plan faster and more efficient. It will help next term by allowing greater flexibility to respond to changing community and environmental needs. Revised guidance on ancillary living units replaces the old dower unit policy, supporting a more flexible approach. It promotes multi-generational living and allows units even outside the Centres. Digitisation project is nearing completion and will provide a new, browser-based digital platform for Planning and Building Control applications. This project has previously enabled the DPA to return £142,000 of recurring savings from its budget. Economy Ensuring value for money is ingrained in everything I do. We can only spend what we can afford. Being a small Island, we need to work harder to ensure value for money. We need to build on our strengths while embracing new opportunities. Invest in skills and people - A strong economy starts with a skilled, adaptable workforce. We must manage inward migration carefully to protect our infrastructure, housing, and quality of life, while still welcoming off-island skills that our economy needs. Grow beyond finance - We must protect our finance industry while also exploring ways to further diversify our economy. What else could Guernsey become famous for? Increase tourism by using the shoulder months to help the hospitality sector, host more sailing regattas and other high-profile events, increase walking and historic holidays. We should also support and invest in Guernsey’s fishing industry. It is not only a significant part of our heritage but also an important food source. Back local business and entrepreneurs - Small businesses are the backbone of our island. Too often small business bears the brunt of cost saving measures while larger firms exploit generous allowances. For entrepreneurs we need to promote and create a “one-stop shop” for business registration, licensing and guidance. It is time to rebalance the scales by tailoring tax incentives to genuinely empower start-ups. Fiscal policy The government faces a structural challenge in balancing public service demands with a constrained and aging revenue base. Guernsey plans to introduce a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 2027 as part of a wider tax reform package, which includes income tax cuts for lower earners and changes to social security contributions. The package is expected to raise around £50 million a year, with decisions on food exemptions and the final rate left to the next States Assembly. I supported the introduction of GST because, after careful consideration, it was the only viable option to keep Guernsey competitive and financially stable. However, I do not support putting GST on food. With Jersey and Isle of Man it would be beneficial to look at adjusting Zero 10. I do not want Guernsey to go into more debt. Savings must always come first. Achieving savings: This term the States has extensively explored ways to save money, with the public, input and came to approx. £14million. These works needs to follow through. Simply trimming budgets/ services will not deliver - we need substantial structural changes. Housing and development Everyone agrees we need more homes, but we must build in the right places. I support growth that meets demand while protecting our unique environment and community character. The DPA does not build houses, it only facilitates their construction. We should prioritise using brown field sites and build up instead of out. IDP review: Continue the review while listening and taking on board views. While strengthening public/private partnerships between government and developers. Incentivise redevelopment of old greenhouses or unused areas within the main centres, leaving green fields alone. Rental market: The States have ruined the local rent market by giving subsides to essential workers which has caused rents to increase exceptionally. Stop adding regulation to landlords. Remove the additional 2% document duty on buy-to-let property purchases which has negatively increased rentals. Help first-time buyers: By providing grants or loans for first-time buyers struggling with deposits. I think it is a travesty our children are leaving the island because they cannot afford to live here. Bond reform: I support removing the Bond, which is currently outdated, expensive, and inefficient. It will make it quicker, fairer, and more affordable for all parishioners. Modular housing: Explore quicker, lower-cost building methods such as modular homes to address urgent needs. Achieving savings: - By building homes on land already owned instead of buying new land. Further streamline the planning system to reduce administrative costs and delays for both government and applicants “I have worked closely with Victoria during the last States political term, and truly believe through hard work and collaboration real progress is now being made, unlike a number of her political colleagues she has not only sought the advice from the industry in regards to the shortage of affordable homes and issues around deliverability, but listens and learnt about the problems and issues and has implemented the necessary changes to cut out red tape and barriers” Paul Nobes MD Infinity Construction Environment Infrastructure Protecting the environment must be practical. We need to invest in a greener future. • Deliver on the Climate Change Action Plan while balancing economic stability and fairness. • Climate change affects our coastlines, our infrastructure and our way of life. We need to improve the flood defences to protect the built environment. • Protect green spaces and facilitate more natural habitats •We should continue work on the potential wind farm. Achieving savings: - Where appropriate use natural solutions (e.g. planting and permeable surfaces) to manage flooding and reduce pressure on drainage systems. Infrastructure We need reliable transport from Aurigny and Brittany Ferries. When we book a flight or ferry, we expect it to run. Fast internet and secure energy are also essentials. Motor tax needs a comprehensive review for all road users to contribute fairly to infrastructure costs, especially as EV adoption increases. Achieving savings: - Investing in local renewable energy can cut long-term energy costs and reduce import. Education Every child in Guernsey deserves access to a high-quality, modern education that prepares them for life and a rapidly changing world of work. We must get it right for the future of our island. •We must finish the job of delivering a stable, well-resourced secondary school model, with proper investment in facilities, staff, and support services. • Equally we must recognise that a good teacher can do more for children than any new building. •We need to raise educational standards across the board whether academic, vocational, or special educational needs. •We need to consider smaller class sizes. • Ultimately, we must make sure every learner has a clear pathway to success, whether through higher education, apprenticeships or lifelong learning to help workers reskill to achieve their goals and aspirations. Achieving savings: - A closer partnership between the States-funded educational settings and the private colleges - particularly by aligning sixth form curriculum provision - could help avoid unnecessary duplication and make better use of shared resources. Health Health is a strong personal issue to me. The rising cost of medication is placing increasing pressure on both patients and the health budget. • Recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals must be a top priority by training our own nurses. •We must provide equal pay for nurses working locally. It is not fair that licensed nurses get a rent allowance while locals do not. •We must invest in frontline services to ensure timely access to hospital operations, and mental health support. •As our population ages, we must plan for the future of social care - ensuring dignity, choice, and proper support for older islanders to ensure they are not forced to sell their homes for long term care. Achieving savings: The States of Guernsey can save money in healthcare by investing in preventative care, early intervention, and community-based support. By promoting healthier lifestyles and addressing health issues before they escalate, we can reduce long-term reliance on acute services and reducing reliance on costly off-island treatments. HSC, MSG and doctors surgeries need to all work from a single, integrated IT system to create efficiencies for patients and doctor, this would save time and money. Government I would like to evolve our system of government to a presidential-style system, the government would give the chief minister greater executive power, allowing them to choose their own cabinet or team of ministers. This centralisation of authority means the Chief Minister can act more decisively and implement policies more efficiently. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my manifesto. I would be incredibly grateful for your vote on 18 June and would welcome the opportunity to discuss anything with you in the meantime. Please get in touch |