It was a tense moment in the parish hall when it was announced that John Le Bailly had ousted Mrs Gallichan, who has been parish Constable since 2005, by 25 votes.
Mr Le Bailly, who has previously served as St Mary’s Deputy, said: ‘I’m surprised but at the same time delighted. I lost by six votes last time and won by 25. I would have liked a bigger margin.’
Asked what made him stand again, Mr Le Bailly replied: ‘I firmly believe in democracy. I don’t think you have democracy unless people stand.
‘The fact that this is the only parish in the Island with a contested Constable election shows democracy in St Mary is still alive.’
Emotional friends and family hugged Mrs Gallichan, who also previously served as parish Deputy, following the announcement.
She said: ‘I’m sorry for the supporters who have been behind me that I could not pull it off but it has been a good campaign.’
When asked what her highlights were during her time in office Mrs Gallichan said: ‘Bringing the parish together, building a really strong ministerial team.
‘The parish has been left in a very strong position. I was first elected in 2005 and have held a variety of roles before then. I’ve worked in and around this building for 18 years. It is a very busy job, a full-time role.’
