Deputy Peter Ferbrache is new P&R President

Friday, 16 October 2020 11:48

States members have chosen Deputy Peter Ferbrache to lead the Policy & Resources Committee over the next States term.

Members voted 23-17 in favour of a new face in the top job. He beat Deputy Gavin St Pier, who led during the previous States term.

They went head to head shortly after deputies were sworn in on Friday morning. Both men promised to lead a united government. Here's how Deputy Ferbrache laid out his pitch:

"We need to move forward collaboratively. It would be unrealistic to say that there will not be disagreements, but where we have those disagreements we must do so civilly, in a balanced way and cohesively. We can get angry with each other today, but we must be friends tomorrow because we have to move forward."

Deputy St Pier promised to build a different Assembly from the last one:

"Day one, change will begin with me, I will lead from the front, I will begin tomorrow by building a very different P&R. I will draw talent and political thought from across the Assembly. Having contrary voices in the room will be more challenging, particularly for the chair, but it does produce decisions that are more robust."

Following his victory, Deputy Ferbrache says he's keen to work with Deputy St Pier in the new government.

"Deputy St Pier has served this Bailiwick commendably well over the last eight and a bit years. I hope and I trust because he is a man of such integrity, ability and experience that he will continue to serve this island over the next four years and eight months

"I would welcome working with him, he is a very good person."