This Is Guernsey

Glen Smith was the first in line to register for next month’s general election. 0551722

THE race for the States is on.

Candidates for the 45 seats were queuing up outside the Royal Court to hand in their nomination papers when the doors opened at 9am today. With at least 14 current members standing down, there will be plenty of fresh faces in the House.

Glen Smith, 29, was first in line. He arrived at 7.30. ‘Getting here first was about being the first one to try to make a difference. As soon as my form is handed in, I can start my campaign,’ he said.

Mr Smith owns a computer shop and is standing in St Sampson’s.

‘My campaign issues are public liberty, freedom and less government involvement in people’s personal lives.’

Zero-10 and primary school closures are expected to be two of the main election issues.

Some are predicting as many as 16 candidates in the Vale and at least 10 in the West district.

Some well-known faces are even considering standing in different districts to those they have represented as they look for the best chance of getting re-elected.