It is the first time there has been an uncontested election for the role since it was introduced in 2005 with the onset of ministerial government.
Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean, who had previously said he would stand if re-elected, decided not to stand against his ministerial colleague for the top job. Instead he is due to be proposed as Senator Gorst’s preferred candidate for the role of Treasury Minister. It is unclear where that would leave incumbent minister Senator Philip Ozouf.
It is understood that there was a last minute scramble to find a candidate from the left of the House to challenge Senator Gorst – but no one came forward.
Senator Gorst topped the poll in the Island-wide election last week in what many regarded as a ringing endorsement of his leadership during the previous term.
Full story in this weekend’s JEP.
