CHIEF Minister Kristina Moore has publicly backed Treasury Minister Ian Gorst to replace her after she lost a vote of no confidence in the States.
Deputy Moore is set to stand down from the top job in Island politics after losing the motion, brought by Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet, by 27 votes to 22.
Speaking to the JEP, Deputy Moore said that Deputy Gorst, who was Chief Minister between 2011 and 2018, should return to the role.
“I admire Ian Gorst hugely – he has a proven track record and I believe he can navigate these challenging times and bring people together,” she said.
“It’s really important that we focus on meeting the needs of Islanders. It’s a really challenging time and I believe we were making good progress on cost-of-living issues, but now we need some stability, someone who can convene a fractured Assembly.”
It is understood that Deputy Gorst has indicated a willingness to step forward as a candidate for the role.
Three current members of government, Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf, Social Security Minister Elaine Millar and Housing Minister David Warr ruled themselves out of the running for Chief Minister this morning.
Deputy Renouf said that he would not be standing and was not yet able to say who he would be supporting for the role, as he did not know for certain who was running.
Asked whether he would be seeking to remain in government, Deputy Renouf said: “This will depend on who is Chief Minister, what kind of government they intend to form and what role they might wish me to perform.”
Deputy Millar was also a “no” for the top job – she said she would be supporting another candidate but did not wish to say who until they had confirmed their position publicly.
She added: “I would like to continue as a minister. I am proud of what we have achieved in Social Security in the last 28 months and would be happy to continue in that role if the new Chief Minister supported that.”
Deputy Warr was another to rule himself out as a candidate for Chief Minister, and said he was not yet prepared to say who he would be supporting. He said he was “absolutely” seeking to remain in his current role, should this be supported by the Chief Minister-designate after next week’s election.
