A SITTING Constable has reversed his previous plans to retire from the States this summer, setting up the prospect of another contested election in the Island’s least-populated parish.
David Johnson, who has served for four years as Constable of St Mary, having previously completed two terms as Deputy for the parish, has confirmed that he intends to seek re-election in the poll scheduled for 7 June.
The move sets up a contest with parishioner Ivor Barette, who declared his candidacy after the incumbent Constable indicated that he would step down.
Mr Johnson (80), who defeated rival candidate Mike Fennell by 83 votes in 2022, said: “I had announced last year that it was not my intention to stand for a further term – this was not because I was anxious to retire, as I still very much enjoy the role, but, rather because I felt a younger person should have the opportunity to take the helm and I considered that potential candidates were more likely to come forward if they knew that they would not be opposed by the sitting Constable.
“To his credit, Ivor has thrown his hat in the ring – which he might not otherwise have done – but following requests from a number of parishioners to stand again, I have decided that I still have much to offer at both parish and States level and, once again, ensure that the parishioners of St Mary are provided with a friendly contest.”
Although St Mary has a population of fewer than 2,000 people, with 1,357 registered voters in 2022, the parish is set to have a contested election for Constable for the fifth time in six elections.
In 2014, Juliette Gallichan defeated John Le Bailly by 376 votes to 370 to secure a third term as Constable, before the tables were turned on the incumbent by Mr Le Bailly four years later when he claimed victory by 25 votes. Mrs Gallichan had been elected by a 200-vote margin in 2008 before being re-elected unopposed in 2011.
Retired lawyer Mr Johnson said he felt that his previous experience would hold him in good stead should he be re-elected in June.
“It’s been said that it takes almost a full term for a States Member to familiarise him or herself in the new role and that the benefits of that are seen only in a second term,” he said. “I accept there is some merit in that view and, following the recent Scrutiny review of the parish system, I think there is renewed appreciation of the parish system and that I am well-placed to assist in taking certain matters forward if I’m granted a further term.”
Mr Johnson has also served as a member of several Scrutiny panels during his 12 years in the Assembly, as well as being part of the Legislation Advisory Panel. He would hope to continue this work in the event of being re-elected, he added.
Mr Barette, who moved to St Mary 65 years ago at the age of eight, confirmed in early March that he would be putting himself forward to take over as Constable.
Nominations for the election will open officially on Monday 20 April, closing two days later.
