I am  standing as a candidate in the 2020 election to become a deputy in the States of Guernsey.

I was a deputy in the 2012 term, serving for the then district of St Peter Port North. During that term, I worked collaboratively across the house with those of all political persuasions. I believe I was successful in making positive changes in a number of areas, from equalities issues and carer respite services to tax reform and environmental issues. None of this would be possible without maintaining good relationships with other deputies.
In the intervening four years, I’ve seen political discourse become acrimonious both inside the States and out. A narrow mindset that seeks to define people according to preconceived views has stifled debate. Calling someone by the wrong pronoun is called an act of aggression, using old fashioned language is seen as dehumanising and heaven help you if you’ve made a mistake many years ago as the offence archaeologists will be there with pitch forks ready to attack. I believe in rehabilitation, that no one should be consigned to the scrap heap. We all have an innate value that is greater than an individual error and we should all work to see us in the round. The best way to get along is through robust, but polite debate, not by seeking to shut people out of the conversation.

During this election campaign everyone on the electoral roll will receive the State’s collated manifesto booklet, but by it’s very nature, this had to be brief. I will therefore outline my policies in greater detail on this website and provide an opportunity for all to engage directly with me, which is especially important for those who do not use social media.

This website is meant as a means of communication; firstly and foremost to the electorate whom I hope to represent. Secondly to the wider world, by frank discussion of the issues facing our island community and by way of sharing information for the progression of ideas. Though Guernsey is an island, the issues we face today are not solved by introspection, but by the free exchange of ideas that benefit us all.

Elis Bebb