Tuesday 25 February 2014
The following statements have been made in relation to the resignation of the Chief Minister, Deputy Peter Harwood.
The Chief Minister said:
"I have today tendered my resignation from the office of Chief Minister of the States of Guernsey. I have done so with regret but recognising the risk to the reputation of that office and the States of Guernsey caused by recent media interest in my previous role as a Director of the Channel Islands Stock Exchange.
It seems to me that uncertainty concerning the final outcome of the investigation by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission into matters pertaining to the Channel Islands Stock Exchange would focus unnecessary media attention on my continued role as Chief Minister, and that attention would be to the detriment of the reputation of that office and the Policy Council. Such attention would also seriously detract from the vital ongoing work of the Policy Council and its sub-committees; the Special States Committees that I chair; and the departments of the States of Guernsey.
It is now important that we proceed as quickly as possible with the process of electing a new Chief Minister."
The Deputy Chief Minister said:
"The members of Policy Council respect Deputy Harwood's decision, and wish to thank him for all the hard work he has done over the past two years on important issues such as the population policy, the energy policy, our external relations and the review of the States' machinery of government, among many others. As Chief Minister he has worked with integrity and selflessness.
"It will be for the States to choose a successor, which we expect will happen at the March States meeting, subject to confirmation from the Bailiff and the States Assembly and Constitution Committee. In the meantime, Peter will continue to take responsibility for chairing Policy Council and other committees and sub-groups that the Chief Minister chairs.
"The Policy Council will remain focused on delivering against the public service priorities that it shares with the local community."
ENDS
