THE race is on for Guernsey’s next chief minister with at least two candidates. Current deputy Bernard Flouquet will put himself forward for the role.

And Home minister Mike Torode confirmed this morning that he would also stand.

Embattled incumbent Laurie Morgan will still not make his intentions clear, again refusing to comment.

‘I will challenge for the position of chief minister,’ said Deputy Flouquet.

‘My aspiration was to achieve that position in 2004 and that hasn’t changed. I offered an alternative to the present incumbent – things are different now, but I will be making my thoughts clear at the appropriate time on how I will take matters forward.’

Deputy Flouquet is also looking to continue as Environment minister.

And Jonathan Le Tocq, a vocal critic of the current chief minister, is expected to make an announcement on Friday.

‘There are a few people who have indicated to me they would like me to stand for a position, but I’m not in a place to confirm anything at the moment,’ he said.

‘I’m taking a few days to think about it.’

All the Policy Council resignations following Fallagate are now with Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland.

At least three ministers want their resignation debated by the House, the Bailiff said yesterday. And a fourth might, depending on when the Fallagate reports are considered by the States.

However, it is understood today that some ministers have since changed their minds and only Treasury head Lyndon Trott wishes his resignation to be considered.

Deputy Bill Bell said he did not want his debated and would not reveal whether he would run for the top job.

‘I don’t know whether the chief minister is going to stand again.

‘Let’s see what his decision is before we start jumping to conclusions,’ said Deputy Bell.

Deputy Barry Brehaut urged Deputy Morgan to make his intentions clear.

‘The sooner he formally makes an announcement the better,’ he said.

‘The criticism of the ministers over their resignations was that they took too long to do it. Whatever the chief minister decides to do, he must do it quickly.’

Mr Rowland currently wants any debate on resignations or the elections to take place at the 28 February States meeting.

And he favours it happening after discussion of the WAO report.

More consultation will take place before a final decision is made.