Guernsey Election: Former Education President unsurprised by 'emphatic' defeat

091020 - Former Guernsey politician Matt Fallaize - Credit: ITV Channel TV
Matt Fallaize had topped the polls in the Vale three times before losing his seat in Guernsey's first island-wide election. Credit: ITV Channel TV

Former Education President, Matt Fallaize has told ITV News he is unsurprised by his "emphatic" defeat in Guernsey's first island-wide election.

The Vale deputy, who had previously topped the polls in his district three times, lost his seat in the States after finishing 85th out of 119 candidates following four days of voting.

He has served as a Deputy since 2008 and was elected to lead the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture in 2018.

Mr Fallaize was one of 11 standing deputies to miss out this week, alongside fellow Education members Rhian Tooley and Mark Dorey.

He said he felt his committee had been "sunk" at the ballot box after failing to resolve the future of secondary education.

In March, deputies voted narrowly to 'pause and review' its plans, which would have seen the controversial two-school model implemented in the island.

Guernsey's first island-wide election saw a big increase in turnout from four years ago, with close to 80% of the nearly 31,000 islanders on the electoral roll having their say.

Barry Brehaut and Mary Lowe, the presidents of the Environment and Home Affairs committees, also lost their seats.

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