Sark reform ‘will of the majority’

Friday 11th April 2008, 12:45PM BST.

Duncan Barclay shakes hands with one of the 50 or so of the Barclays’ workers who protested outside Chief Pleas over the adoption of the Reform Law.

SARK’S democratic reforms reflect the will of the majority of residents, according to the island’s seneschal, Reg Guille.

Royal assent has been granted to legislation that ends feudal rule and moves the island towards democracy.

But that decision by the Privy Council is being challenged in the High Court by Brecqhou owners Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay. One reason for that is the continuing dual role of the seneschal as the island’s judge and president of its government, Chief Pleas. Mr Guille said that was a matter for Chief Pleas.