'Partnership of Independents' forms ahead of Guernsey's election

A 'partnership of independents' has been formed in Guernsey, under the banner of 'Move Forward Together'.

The partnership, which includes Chief Minister Deputy Gavin St Pier, Health and Social Care president Deputy Heidi Soulsby and Deputy Chief Minister Lyndon Trott, says it wants to help field the best candidates for Guernsey's first island-wide election on October 7.

The group says it is not a 'traditional political party', but is instead an assembly of 'independently minded' individuals who will work together to ensure effective government.

Deputy Heidi Soulsby says the partnership will aim to change the way politics is done in the States - without whipping votes.

Each of the candidates has also committed their support to the 'Revive and Thrive' strategy put forward to the States as the island tries to bounce back from the coronavirus crisis.

Deputy Lyndon Trott says economic recovery must be a priority in the coming months.

The partnership says several people have signed up to play a part and that they expect more to join them.

It will host public events in the coming weeks and months to share what each member stands for.

So far, only one political party has registered ahead of October's election. Alliance Party Guernsey became the first party on the island after the States backed legislation allowing parties to register to support candidates.