The Policy Council

POLICY Council ministers have rejected a suggestion that they should submit themselves for re-election.

Six members of the senior committee yesterday said it was unnecessary.

Deputy Matt Fallaize had called for them to stand again because he believed the council’s role had changed after the States decision to support the Fundamental Spending Review.

The Policy Council has been given cabinet-style authority to make changes to the way the States operates in order to ensure more than £70m. is saved during the next five years.

Culture and Leisure minister Mike O’Hara said he would not be putting himself up for re-election to the council.

‘I do not think the issue is that serious,’ he said.

‘It will be up to the House if something happens on this but I do not want to resign on that [Deputy Fallaize’s call] basis.’

Health and Social Services minister Hunter Adam said the States as a whole voted in favour of the far-reaching implication of the spending review.

‘Is there actually a change of mandate as written down or is there a perceived change of mandate in relation to authority?’ he said.

‘Provided the Policy Council behaves in a responsible manner with respect to other members of the States of Deliberation, I do not think this [re-election] is necessary.’