Presidential by-election in Alderney pushed back to June

Elections to decide Alderney States' next president have been pushed back until the end of June.

It is after members complained that there was not enough time between Stuart Trought stepping down on the 15th of May and the proposed election date on the 18th May, for people to decide whether to put themselves forward.

After an eight year run in office Stuart Trought is stepping down early. His term was due to run until 2020.

States Member Mike Dean suggested delaying the by-election because it would not be 'democratic or fair' to expect potential candidates to make a decision to stand for election in such a short space of time.

Vice President, Louis Jean, will step up to the role in the period after Mr Trought resigns and before the vote.

He clarified that he was thinking about running for office, but he stressed that his support for the delay was not about anything other than consideration of the public and 'the right way of doing things'.

Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee, James Dent, queriedwhether the delay was to suit individuals planning to offer themselves as candidates.

David Earl, who was elected in November, said he had 'no sympathy' with the amendment.