The new Assembly will be officially sworn in on Friday 1 June at the Royal Court before Members meet for the first time the following Monday to decide who will be Chief Minister.
Senators Ian Gorst, Lyndon Farnham and Senator-elect John Le Fondré are set to compete in a three-horse race for the top job. Both Senators Gorst and Farnham announced before polling day that they would seek the role while Senator-elect Le Fondré’s strong performance – coming third in the Islandwide vote – has led to him putting himself up as a contender.
There is also increasing speculation that Senator-elect Kristina Moore, who has previously voiced strong support for Senator Gorst, may yet throw her name in the hat after she polled second. Her potential bid could be strengthened should Senator Gorst opt to pull out of the race following his sixth-place finish and instead seek the External Relations post.
Senatorial poll-topper Tracey Vallois has ruled herself out of the running and said that she wants the Education portfolio.
Once the Chief Minister’s position is decided on Monday 4 June, the newly appointed Chief Minister will then have just three days to finalise their preferred ministerial team before Members meet again to decide who will take on the other ministerial posts.
The Chief Minister will be able to put forward their picks for the ministerial jobs. However, any elected Member can challenge for any of the posts with the rest of the Assembly ultimately deciding who takes each portfolio.
That sitting on Thursday 7 June will also see Scrutiny Panel heads elected. Members forming the panels will be elected on Tuesday 12 June.
What’s happening and when?
Friday 1 June – New Assembly sworn in at the Royal Court
Monday 4 June – election of Chief Minister
Thursday 7 June and Friday 8 June – election of ministers and Scrutiny Panel chairs
Tuesday 12 June – election of Scrutiny Panel and committee members
Tuesday 26 June – first ordinary meeting of the new States Assembly
