Deputy Dave Jones dies after battling ill health

The funeral of Deputy Dave Jones took place in Guernsey this afternoon.

Many islanders, family and friends gathered at Vale Church for the service, which started at 1pm.

Deputy Jones died last week after battling ill health.

He was one of Guernsey's longest serving politicians and was best known for being the Housing Minister for 12 years.

A special States sitting will follow the funeral at 3pm and flags on States building are being flown at half mast.

Guernsey's President, Deputy Gavin St Pier, described him as "a strong and passionate voice for his constituents and for our island".

The funeral of veteran Guernsey politician Dave Jones takes place this afternoon.

The Deputy for Vale died last week after battling a long illness.

Friends and family will gather at 1pm at Vale Church for his funeral.

It will be followed by a special States sitting at 3pm for politicians to pay tribute to him.

Flags on States buildings will also fly at half mast.

As one of the longest serving politicians he took on a variety of roles, including 12 years as the Minister for Housing.

He was first elected in 2000.

Guernsey's President, Gavin St Pier, described him as "a strong and passionate voice for his constituents and for our island".

Guernsey States will pay tribute to the late Deputy Dave Jones next week with a special meeting.

The Assembly will meet at 3pm on Wednesday where speeches will be made in memory of one of Guernsey's longest standing politicians.

Deputy Jones passed away last Tuesday after battling ill health.

His funeral will be held at 1pm on Wednesday.

People in Guernsey have reacted to the death of Deputy Dave Jones, who died this morning.

The politician, who was the Deputy for Vale, passed away after battling a long illness.

Today, islanders have paid tribute to him, with some describing him as "down to earth" and "genuine".

Guernsey's Lieutenant-Governor has expressed his condolences to the family of Deputy Dave Jones, who died this morning.

Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder praised the late Deputy's "enduring commitment".

Dave Jones, who served as the Minister for Housing for 12 years, passed away at his home with his family.

Deputy Dave Jones, who passed away this morning, was elected as Deputy for Vale in 2000.

As one of the longest serving politicians, he served in a variety of roles, including 12 years as the Minister for Housing.

Below is a timeline of the positions he serve in.

2000

• Elected Member of the Housing Authority
• Elected Member of the Public Assistance Authority
• Elected Member of the States Procedures and Constitution Committee

2001

• Elected Member of the Civil Defence Committee
• Elected Member of the Telecommunications Board

2004 (re-elected in 2008 & 2012)

• Elected Minister Housing Department
• Ex-officio Member of the Policy Council

2016

• Elected President of the States Trading Supervisory Board

22nd May 2012 to 4th May 2016

• He was an Acting Presiding Officer of the States of Deliberation

Senior politicians have been paying their respects to Deputy Dave Jones who died this morning.

The veteran Deputy for Vale passed away after battling with ill health.

Deputy Gavin St Pier has described him as a "passionate and tireless campaigner", who even in ill health, was driven to "contribute to the government and prosperity of the island."

Guernsey's Chief Executive, Paul Whitfield, also praised his work ethic, caling him strong, fair and "absolutely committed to public service."

All States Departments will fly the Guernsey flag at half-mast for the remainder of today as a mark of respect.

Guernsey's bailiff has paid tribute to Deputy Dave Jones, who died this morning.

Sir Richard Collas has described Deputy Jones as "a man of strong beliefs which he expressed with clarity and conviction".

Dave Jones served as Deputy for Vale since 2000, and was Housing Minister for 12 years.

• Deputy Dave Jones dies after battling ill health

Guernsey Deputy Dave Jones has died this morning after battling with ill health.

The Vale Deputy, who served as the Minister for Housing for 12 years, passed away at his home aged 67.

He was the longest serving member of the Policy Council, and was the head of the States Trading Supervisory Committee.

Deputy Lyndon Trott has paid his respects to Deputy Jones, calling him a "wonderful and inspiring man".

All States Departments will fly the Guernsey flag at half-mast for the remainder of today as a mark of respect.

First being elected as a deputy in 2000, Deputy Jones served in a variety of roles.

In 2001, he was elected as a member of the Civil Defence Committee and the Telecommunications Board.

In 2004, he was elected Minister for Housing, and ex-officio Member of the Policy Council.

Today his supporters and his colleagues have been remembering him...