He is well ahead of Patrick Ryan, in second place, and Stuart Syvret, in third.

The by-election was called following Stuart Syvret’s departure from the States because he had been absent from the Island for six months.

The nine candidates are Gerard Baudains, Nick Le Cornu, Francis Le Gresley, Philip Maguire, Peter Remon-Whorrall, Gino Risoli, Pat Ryan, Deputy Geoff Southern and Stuart Syvret.

• Check here for the result later tonight and find out what the successful candidate has to say in Thursday’s Jersey Evening Post.