FOUR of Guernsey’s 11 ministers would probably not have been elected if reforms to slim down the States had been brought in for the 2008 election.

Chief Minister Lyndon Trott, Housing minister Dave Jones, Environment minister Peter Sirett and Public Services minister Bernard Flouquet all took one of the last two seats in their electoral district.

And former Health minister Peter Roffey last week told the Chamber of Commerce that the States should be slimmed down – possibly to just four members for each of the seven districts instead of the current six or seven.

However, Deputy Jones (pictured) saw no reason for change.

‘We have one of the best economies and nearly full employment,’ he said. ‘We need to be careful before tinkering.’

He also said the move would discourage deputies from becoming ministers.

‘Ministers will always have to take decisions that will be unpopular with some people,’ he said. ‘You can reduce the deputies, but you won’t find the same calibre of people wanting to stand as a minister.’

He acknowledged that had the number of seats been reduced he would have lost his.

‘There is a price to pay. If you take on a position of responsibility, you look to get a kicking.’