More details released about next week's Vale elections and meeting

The meeting is being held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 4 November at the Douzaine Room and the full agenda, published in La Gazette Officielle, is available below. It is also available online here.

It sets out the elections for Constable and five douzeniers and other business for electors and ratepayers to conduct, including electing a Senior Constable.

The candidates are John Harold Niles, the current office holder, and Geoffrey John Lemée. Both were invited to set out here their reasons for seeking the office of constable. Mr Niles has responded as follows while a response is still awaited from Mr Lemée:

JOHN NILES

Candidate for Constable of the Vale Parish

Putting the Vale First

For those of you who don’t know me, I have lived in the Vale all my life. My family has deep roots in the parish and at L’Ancresse Common, where I live. The Vale is my home, and I care passionately about its future and the interests of its parishioners.

I was first elected to the Vale Douzaine in 2019, became Junior Constable in 2023 and took over as Senior Constable in January 2026. I am now seeking your support to continue in that role.

My involvement in parochial affairs has been a learning process, and one that has given me a much greater understanding of the responsibilities, complexities and practical demands of being Constable. Having worked alongside our long-serving Constable, Richard Leale, I have gained valuable experience and insight into the role and the issues facing our parish.

I now understand more fully what the position demands: leadership, sound judgement, the ability to chair committee and public meetings, financial awareness, effective communication and the ability to work constructively with parishioners, fellow Douzeniers and States departments. It also requires a willingness to make difficult decisions, take responsibility and work as part of a team.

These are responsibilities I take seriously, and I believe my experience to date has prepared me to continue serving the Vale effectively.

What have I achieved, and what remains to be done?

Financial transparency and accountability

During my time on the Douzaine, we have improved financial transparency by publishing our accounts and being more open with parishioners about how their rates are managed and spent.

With a parish budget approaching three-quarters of a million pounds, sound financial management, clear budgeting and accountability are essential. I want to build on this progress and ensure that parishioners can have confidence in how their money is used.

Better communication with parishioners

I am working on ways to improve communication with Vale residents and make it easier for them to express their views and concerns.

A Douzaine must listen to its parishioners, explain its decisions and represent their interests. I want to see that relationship strengthened further, with better opportunities for residents to understand what is happening in their parish and to have their voices heard.

Housing, development and the character of the Vale

We face the challenge of helping to address Guernsey’s housing shortage while protecting the character of our parish from inappropriate over-development.

Traffic, parking and the impact on existing communities must be considered carefully when development proposals are assessed.

I believe the Vale must have a strong, informed voice in these discussions. We should engage constructively with the States, but we must also be prepared to speak up when proposals risk adversely affecting our parish and its residents.

Working with States departments and agencies

I have established good working relationships with the main government departments and want to maintain an effective dialogue with them on behalf of Vale parishioners.

The Leale’s Yard regeneration project is particularly important, and I intend to remain engaged as it progresses.

The Guernsey Development Agency is also listening to local views as it prepares improvement plans for the Bridge area. We have been invited to comment on its draft proposals, providing an opportunity to help shape the future of this important part of the parish.

Other significant matters requiring attention include:

• The proposed reclamation scheme at Black Rock.

• Flood defences at the Bridge.

• The Kenilworth Vinery/Parc Le Lacheur housing project.

These are substantial issues, with implications for the environment, infrastructure, housing and the everyday lives of parishioners. I am familiar with the work underway and am committed to ensuring that the Vale’s interests are properly represented.

There is a great deal happening that will affect the future of our parish. These matters require sustained attention, careful judgement and effective representation. I want to ensure that the Vale has a constructive but firm voice in decisions that will shape our community for years to come.

Understanding the responsibilities of Constable

One of the most important things I have gained from my time on the Douzaine, first as a Douzenier, then as Junior Constable and now as Senior Constable, is a much clearer understanding of the responsibilities and practical demands of the office.

The role requires a combination of experience, sound judgement and a willingness to take responsibility. In particular, a Constable needs:

1. Experience of chairing meetings

The ability to lead committee meetings and public meetings effectively, encourage constructive discussion and ensure that business is conducted properly.

2. Financial understanding

A sound grasp of accounts, spreadsheets, budgeting and financial management, particularly given that the parish budget approaches three-quarters of a million pounds.

3. Staff management

The ability to deal with employment matters, staff management and recruitment or appointments when required.

4. Public and government relations

The ability to engage constructively with the general public, represent parishioners’ interests and work effectively with States departments and other public bodies.

5. Health and safety awareness

Ensuring that appropriate attention is given to the safety and upkeep of parish facilities, including the Douzaine room and playground.

6. Knowledge of how the Douzaine functions

Understanding its procedures, responsibilities and obligations, and how best to ensure that it operates effectively.

7. Sound decision-making

Listening to different views, considering the evidence and reaching balanced decisions in the interests of the parish.

8. Leadership

Providing direction, taking responsibility and ensuring that important issues are followed through.

9. Teamwork

Working collaboratively with fellow Douzeniers, parishioners and States representatives, recognising that effective parish government depends on cooperation.

I recognise that these are substantial responsibilities, and that understanding them fully comes with experience. My time on the Douzaine and in the roles of Junior and Senior Constable has given me valuable practical experience and a much better appreciation of what the position entails.

I believe I am now well placed to build on that experience, provide continuity and lead the Douzaine in addressing the challenges ahead.

My commitment is to keep learning, to listen to parishioners and fellow Douzeniers, and to ensure that the Vale’s affairs are managed responsibly and in the best interests of our community.

Why I am asking for your vote

I have lived in the Vale all my life, and my commitment to the parish is personal as well as practical. I understand the importance of protecting its character, respecting its heritage and ensuring that the interests of its residents are properly represented.

There is much still to do. I want to continue improving communication and transparency, maintain constructive relationships with government departments, represent parishioners’ concerns and help ensure that decisions affecting the Vale are taken with proper regard for the people who live here.

I do not pretend that every challenge has an easy answer. What I can offer is local knowledge, a genuine commitment to the parish, experience gained through serving on the Douzaine and a determination to keep learning and improving in the role.

I believe the Vale deserves a Constable who understands its history and character, recognises the challenges it faces and is prepared to work hard on behalf of its residents.

I am asking for your vote so that I can continue the work we have started, build on the experience I have gained and represent your interests as Constable.

Together, we can continue to put the Vale first, for the benefit of all its parishioners.

Thank you.