STATES members will have the choice of four candidates for chief minister. A few hours after Laurie Morgan said he would not stand for re-election, Health minister Peter Roffey announced he would run.

Deputies Bernard Flouquet, Mike Torode and Jonathan Le Tocq will also stand.

Final declarations need to be in by 3pm today, but it is unlikely anyone else will come into the frame. Deputy Roffey wanted to ensure the States had a full range of candidates to choose from.

‘It’s quite true that I have consistently said that I had no ambition to become chief minister – and I meant every word,’ he said.

The Health minister added that he was content to carry on as a departmental head, but would be equally committed to the chief minister job.

Deputy Roffey had hoped more candidates would have come forward.

‘As this hasn’t happened, I feel the best option is to offer myself for election.

‘This has also been made easier by the decision of the chief minister not to seek re-election. Deputy Morgan is a gentleman who I hold in the highest regard and who I proposed for the position in 2004.’

The elections take place from 9.30am on Monday. There will be a five-minute speech by each candidate and their nominator.

The winner needs 50% of the House’s support, so there is likely to be a few rounds of voting.

* Peter Roffey is proposed by Dianne Lewis and seconded by Chris Brock.

* Mike Torode is proposed by Geoff Mahy and seconded by Janine Le Sauvage.

* Bernard Flouquet is proposed by Lyndon Trott and seconded by Mike O’Hara.

* Jonathan Le Tocq is proposed by Dave Grut and seconded by Stuart Falla.