Two of Guernsey's top politicians resign ahead of confidence vote into their committee

Deputies Mark Helyar and David Mahoney resigned from the Policy & Resources Committee on Friday 24 November. Credit: ITV Channel / X: @writetodave

Two members of Guernsey's top political committee have resigned ahead of a confidence vote called against them.

Deputies Mark Helyar and David Mahoney have decided to step back from their roles on the Policy & Resources Committee, regardless of the outcome of the vote.

Following Friday's vote of no confidence debate being adjourned, it will now continue at the next States meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday 13 December.

Deputies Helyar and Mahoney will remain in their roles until then.

The committee members previously issued a joint statement saying they would "not resign" and planned to "continue in their posts".

Guernsey's Bailiff, Sir Richard McMahon - who presides over the States Assembly - opened the meeting on Friday 24 November informing members that the two Deputies handed in their resignation letters.

However if next month, Deputies decide they don't have confidence in the committee, all its current members would be removed and their successors would need to be elected immediately - starting with the new President of Policy & Resources, effectively Guernsey's Chief Minister.

Before Friday's debate began, the Bailiff warned politicians that the vote is on whether members feel they have confidence in the committee members' ability to carry out their responsibilities rather than on personal issues.

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