Poll-topper John gets his top job

By Nick Mann

POLL topper John Gollop was given the responsibility he has long craved as he became chairman of the Legislative Select Committee yesterday.

Although unsuccessful in a bid for the Culture and Leisure ministry, the fortunes of the man who drew more votes in St Peter Port North than anyone else turned later in the afternoon as the States decided its leaders.

During his nomination speech for the committee, Deputy Gollop (pictured) said his 11 years as a States member meant his time had come to take on the role of heading a department or committee. He defeated Deputy Sam Maindonald for the chairmanship by 26 votes to 21.

‘I think the public of this island expects me to be given a job and one of leadership,’ said Deputy Gollop.

‘Having served one year on the House Committee and four years on Scrutiny, I’m in the best place to drive it [the Legislation Select Committee] forward.’

The committee elections rounded off a full day in the States.

Father of the House Deputy Ivan Rihoy was unopposed for the House chairmanship – he has been vocal in support of island-wide voting, which is one of the committee’s responsibilities.

There was also no contest for chairman of Scrutiny, which was taken on by Deputy Barry Brehaut.

But it was tight in the race for Public Accounts.

Current PAC chairman Leon Gallienne had been unsuccessful in the contest to be Culture and Leisure minister and fell back on his old job to save his day.

Newcomer Deputy Allister Langlois was Chief Minister Lyndon Trott’s choice for PAC but, in the end, Deputy Gallienne won by 25 votes to 22.

It had been a long, stressful six weeks, he said.

‘I’m a little disappointed I didn’t get on the Policy Council. I believe I had a lot to offer, but who knows, perhaps some time in the future,’ said Deputy Gallienne.

‘But I’m pleased to be back at PAC. We’ve got excellent staff and I’m sure the officers there will be happy I’m going back. I know it well and I feel good about it. I can hit the ground running and believe it can become a more-formidable committee than it is at present.’

Deputy Al Brouard, unsuccessful in his bids for chief and later Public Services minister, took the Public Sector Remuneration Committee chair unopposed.