TREASURY minister Lyndon Trott faces a challenge from his deputy. If Charles Parkinson is successful, the zero-10 tax strategy could be in danger.

Deputy Trott announced his resignation on Wednesday following damning criticism in the Wales Audit Office report into Fallagate.

‘The House may choose to reject his resignation or re-elect him, he’s perfectly capable of carrying on,’ said Deputy Parkinson.

‘But I would prefer to have the job myself. I believe I could bring something extra to it. If the vacancy does occur I would stand.’

Deputy Parkinson proposed an alternative tax package.

He vowed when it was defeated that he would try to overturn zero-10 if he had the opportunity.

Deputy Trott would not comment yesterday.

All the Policy Council resignations will be handed in by 9am on Monday but many have announced they will be standing for re-election.

Whether Chief Minister Laurie Morgan will be among them is not known. He is said to be spending the weekend considering whether he will do so.

Other deputies have been openly discussing who would replace him.

Looking increasingly troubled, Deputy Morgan would not comment.

Fellow ministers were unsure of his intentions but many hope he will not stand.

The Policy Council had a meeting after yesterday’s States debate finished. It lasted about 40 minutes, with Deputy Morgan leaving after just 10.

Deputies are also pushing for a rule change to open up the chief minister’s position to newer members. Those who have not served for four years cannot stand.

States members were asked by Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland to keep Wednesday 14 February clear as preparations are made to elect a new council.

No decision has been made on how to proceed, but he warned deputies to continue in a parliamentary way.

‘Guernsey government continues to function, I repeat, as it must,’ he said.