Deputies to draw lots for States of Guernsey seats

Guernsey's new deputies will draw lots in a secret ballot to decide where they sit in the assembly.

A number of the island's incoming politicians and current deputies blamed the way members were seated during from 2020-2025 for the divisiveness of the last term.

Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon decided the parties in the assembly should sit together facing each other, like in the UK's House of Commons.

This time around members will draw lots, starting with whoever came highest in the polls.

The president of Policy and Resources, who is elected on 1 July in a secret ballot, will sit on the top bench.

The presidents of the other principal committees, such as Environment and Infrastructure, Home Affairs, and Health and Social Care will also join the P&R president next to the presiding officer and often the Lieutenant-Governor on the top bench.

Deputies will be sworn in at the Royal Court on 1 July.

This week they have received briefings about what each committee in the States does and how States meetings worked, including how the rules of procedure were operated.

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