States of Guernsey

The States of Guernsey (French: États de Guernesey) is the parliament and government of the British Crown dependency called Guernsey. It helps make and enforce laws for the island. Sometimes, its laws also apply to nearby islands like Alderney and Sark when they agree, and they always apply to the small island of Herm.

When the States of Guernsey meets to make decisions, it is called the States of Deliberation. When it helps choose leaders, it is called the States of Election.

The group uses a special system of committees to handle day-to-day work. These include one Senior Committee, seven Principal Committees, and several other groups.

Laws passed by the States become official through a process called Order-in-Council. Smaller rules, known as Ordinances, do not need approval from the King.

History

The States of Guernsey gets its name from the groups, or "estates," that made up the early assembly. These included representatives from the Crown, the Church, and the people. After the Second World War, big changes were made to how the group worked, introducing new roles like Conseiller.

For many years, there were 33 elected members and 12 Conseillers who served longer terms. But in 2000, the Conseillers were removed, and the number of elected members grew. By 2004, there were 45 members, and later this number was reduced to 38. In 2018, a vote changed how people elect members, so now the whole island votes together for 38 members.

Firsts

First female member of the States

• Marie Randall

First female Chief Minister of Guernsey

• Lindsay de Sausmarez

First female Deputy Chief Minister of Guernsey

• Heidi Soulsby

Composition

The States of Deliberation has 38 People’s Deputies who are elected every four years by everyone on the island. Before 2020, people voted in different areas, but now they vote across the whole island. Two representatives from Alderney also join to speak for Alderney.

There are two other members who cannot vote: the Law Officers of the Crown, which include the Attorney General and the Solicitor General, both chosen by the monarch. The Bailiff leads the States.

Committee system

Guernsey’s government works using a committee system. This is similar to an older system used in nearby Jersey, but Jersey changed to a different style in 2005.

The main committee is called the Policy & Resources Committee. It leads and helps plan the work of the government. It also looks after the island’s relationships with other places. The head of this committee is often called the “Chief Minister” by local news, as they represent the island’s government, especially when traveling to other countries. This leader is chosen by members of the government and serves until the next big election, which will happen in June 2025.

Recent elections

The last general election took place on 18 June 2025.

• 2025 results
• 2020 results
• 2016 results
• 2012 results
• 2008 results

Current deputies and representatives

The States of Deliberation is the parliament and government of Guernsey. As of June 2025, it includes many deputies who help make decisions for the island. Some of these deputies also help make rules for nearby islands like Alderney and Sark when needed.

Here is the list of current deputies and representatives:

Deputies

• Lindsay De Sausmarez
• Yvonne Burford
• Charles Parkinson
• Steve Falla
• Paul Montague
• Sasha Kazantseva-Miller
• Gavin St Pier
• Tina Bury
• Jonathan Le Tocq
• Chris Blin
• George Oswald
• Marc Laine
• Aidan Matthews
• Marc Leadbeater
• Andy Cameron
• Sally Rochester
• Adrian Gabriel
• Lee Van Katwyk
• Liam McKenna
• Mark Helyar
• Steve Williams
• John Gollop
• David Goy
• Tom Rylatt
• Jennifer Strachan
• Simon Vermeulen
• Munazza Malik
• Jayne Ozanne
• Andy Sloan
• Bruno Kay-Mouat
• Haley Camp
• Garry Collins
• Andrew Niles
• Rob Curgenven
• Neil Inder
• David Dorrity
• Rhona Humphreys
• Sarah Hansmann Rouxel

Alderney representatives

• Steve Roberts
• Alex Snowdon