The Home Affairs Minister was forced to make a statement after news of his decision was broken on the social networking site Twitter without his knowledge. He believes that a fellow Senator whom he had spoken to in confidence was behind the leak.
The Senator’s departure means that two people, Senators-elect Philip Bailhache and Ian Gorst, are now in the running for the top job.
Senators Paul Routier and Alan Breckon had indicated that they might stand but have not made a final decision. The deadline for nominations to succeed Senator Terry Le Sueur as Chief Minister is on Wednesday.
By then candidates must have submitted a nomination form bearing six signatures from backers, as well as a statement setting out a vision for strategic policy and the manner in which the candidate proposes to carry out the job. Jostling and deal-making is expected to continue through this week’s Budget debate in the run-up to Monday’s vote for Chief Minister.
Full story in Monday’s JEP
