DEPUTY Laurie Morgan praised the Policy Council as he announced yesterday that he would not stand for chief minister. He has served in the post for almost three years.

As one of those singled out for criticism in the Wales Audit Office report into Fallagate, he made the announcement at the end of the States debate.

‘The last couple of days have been very difficult for all of us, not least for all my colleagues on this bench and me, but we have it over and done with now,’ said Deputy Morgan.

He added that he was proud to be elected to the position in May 2004 and had expected to serve four years. During that period there had been about 75 meetings of the council and countless meetings of support groups.

‘Almost all of these have been conducted in a businesslike and civilised manner, as you would expect. That’s largely thanks to who I have to support me, a wonderful team of ministers.’

Eight of Deputy Morgan’s choices made it on to the council when it was first elected. The other two had done an excellent job and been supportive, said Deputy Morgan.

He decided not to stand for re-election because he could not guarantee the council would function better over the next year.

‘I don’t think it’s helpful to be there, even with the same team of people.’

In three months’ time, Deputy Morgan will have been in the States for 25 years – six as a voting non-States member. He wished his successor a productive year.

‘I hope there will be as effective a team as I have enjoyed.’

And he thanked the presiding officers and other States members for their support. For the remaining year, Deputy Morgan will take a seat on the floor of the House next to members from his district, St Peter Port South.