TWO of Guernsey’s senior politicians look set to stay, despite their policies contrasting with the zero-10 future taxation strategy. Public Services minister Bill Bell has called for deputy Treasury minister Charles Parkinson and Social Security minister Mary Lowe to consider their positions following their failed amendment in the States meeting last week.

But Deputy Parkinson said he would not stand down.

‘The public elected me as a States member, not Deputy Bell,’ he said.

‘And the members of the House elected me as deputy Treasury and Resources minister and I hope a large majority want me to stay there.’

Deputy Lowe was yesterday unavailable for comment but it is believed she intends to stay in the role.

Deputy Parkinson’s attempted amendment to the Policy Council’s proposals, seconded by the Social Security minister, would have dramatically changed the future tax climate.

Deputy Bell claimed it was inappropriate for a minister not to have the full support of his deputy and was concerned that he would continue to advocate his contrasting ideas.

‘Many years ago I was vice-president of the Traffic Committee. But in 1989 when I took a minority report to the States, I stood down,’ he said. ‘I felt that the president was entitled to my full support which at the time I could not give.’

He said Deputy Parkinson should either accept the democratic decision of the House and work as a team member to implement the Policy Council’s zero-10 system or consider his future.

‘The fact he intends to make it an election issue in 2008 is very worrying. It would undermine our position and create unnecessary uncertainty when in competition with other jurisdictions.’ said Deputy Bell

Deputy Parkinson said he fully accepted the decision of the House.

‘I regard the matter as settled at least until the next election. A lot of water will have flowed under the bridge by then.

‘By 2008 we will have a better idea whether the economic growth rates which the Policy Council’s system relies on become a reality and whether the States can stick to 0% increases in public expenditure.’

He said it would also been known whether the Isle of Man’s taxation package was EU-code compliant.

‘Who knows, the Policy Council might even be proved right.’

He said Deputy Bell’s attack came as no surprise.

‘We have to have thick skins and mine is pretty thick.’

Deputy Parkinson said he had put a lot of time and effort into his proposals and had no regrets.

‘Even supporters of the Policy Council welcomed the amendment for livening the debate and bringing out some of the less understood issues. Many of the points will be taken on board in the development of the Policy Council strategy,’ he said and went on to say that Deputy Lowe was in a similar position.

‘She must either accept the decision and work towards implementing the necessary changes to social security contributions or she should think very carefully about her position in the House.’