Episodes

  • Election results analysis: Guernsey votes for unity but will it last?

    Election results analysis: Guernsey votes for unity but will it last?
    Jul 3 2025
    In our final Guernsey Votes episode, Matthew and Luke reflect on the election with political commentator Simon de la Rue.

    In a more liberal and left-leaning Assembly, can Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez foster a more harmonious States? She stormed to victory in both the public poll and won the backing of her fellow politicians to become Guernsey's first female Chief Minister, but faces tough decisions on key issues such as tax.

    Then there's Forward Guernsey, the island's only political party - three were elected, including Gavin St Pier to the top Policy and Resources Committee, but what power will they have together?

    Be sure to subscribe so you receive the latest episodes on your feed and join the conversation through social media using #GuernseyVotes
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    22 mins
  • 82 candidates, 38 votes, what issues are on the ballot in Guernsey?

    82 candidates, 38 votes, what issues are on the ballot in Guernsey?
    Jun 17 2025
    With Guernsey's election just around the corner, Matthew and Luke look at the key issues highlighted in candidate manifestos. Chief among them, whether to back or scrap the introduction of a Goods and Services Tax.

    They also speak to the outgoing Deputy Chief Minister, Heidi Soulsby, who admits even she hasn't found enough reasons to use all 38 votes. She believes it's "really difficult to call" who will get in but says conversations are already happening behind the scenes as prospective politicians position themselves for the top jobs.

    Listen to her thoughts and Matthew and Luke's reflections above. Be sure to subscribe so you receive the latest episodes on your feed and join the conversation through social media using #GuernseyVotes
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    16 mins
  • Guernsey Election: Everything you need to know in four minutes

    Guernsey Election: Everything you need to know in four minutes
    Jun 16 2025
    With advanced voting well underway and Guernsey's main polling day fast approaching on Wednesday 18 June, Matthew and Luke recap the key things you need to know about this election.

    From where to cast your ballot to what happens once polls close and when we expect to have a result, listen to this short bonus episode of the Guernsey Votes podcast.

    Be sure to subscribe so you receive the latest episodes on your feed and join the conversation through social media using #GuernseyVotes
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    4 mins
  • 'We're fearful of change': Are skyscrapers the solution to Guernsey's sky-high rents?

    'We're fearful of change': Are skyscrapers the solution to Guernsey's sky-high rents?
    May 30 2025
    With homes that are unaffordable for many and some renters struggling to pay their bills, what can be done to solve Guernsey's housing crisis?

    Architect Oliver Brock has been in the business for around 30 years and wants everyone to put aside the 'blame game' to focus on an island-wide plan for achievable living. In his view, that includes creating high-rise buildings to protect other green spaces from development.

    Speaking to Luke and Matthew, Oliver believes the community needs to decide whether it wants this type of construction or will think seriously about managing the population, against a backdrop of needing more workers to support Guernsey's ageing society.

    Listen to the fourth episode of Guernsey Votes above. Be sure to subscribe so you receive the latest editions on your feed and join the conversation through social media using #GuernseyVotes
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    24 mins
  • 'The majority do it for the money': Fears reliance on agency staff hurts children's education

    'The majority do it for the money': Fears reliance on agency staff hurts children's education
    May 20 2025
    From the lingering impact of home schooling during Covid to the high number of agency staff, this week's guest - former teacher Jenny Tasker - outlines how issues in Guernsey's education system affect students' grades.

    Speaking to Luke and Matthew, she wants the next set of politicians to overhaul the current recruitment process and ensure that returning local teachers are given the same benefits as those relocating from the UK.

    On agency staff, Jenny believes most cannot provide the level of education young people need and says there are opportunities on island for local people to train up as effective teachers if they are incentivised to stay.

    Be sure to subscribe so you receive the latest episodes on your feed and join the conversation through social media using #GuernseyVotes
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    26 mins
  • 'Covid crushed the tourism industry': What next?

    'Covid crushed the tourism industry': What next?
    May 14 2025
    With the impact of the pandemic still looming over Guernsey's tourism sector, what can be done to encourage visitors back and could it ever reach the heydays of the 1980s?

    In our second election episode, Luke and Matthew are joined by Ant Ford-Parker who runs an outdoor activity company and chairs the Guernsey Tourism Partnership. He explains how uncertainty from the "ferry fiasco" tender process hurt already struggling businesses and calls for greater political accountability in tourism more widely.

    Luke and Matthew also discuss the States-owned airline Aurigny and whether it should switch from profit to a subsidised public service to improve air links.

    Be sure to subscribe so you receive the latest episodes on your feed and join the conversation through social media using #GuernseyVotes
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    25 mins
  • 'Guernsey has no money': Is taxing Amazon the answer?

    'Guernsey has no money': Is taxing Amazon the answer?
    Apr 28 2025
    Should Amazon face charges for every Guernsey delivery and would it really push people to shop locally? Or is a blanket 5% Goods and Services Tax finally inevitable despite public pressure?

    In our first election episode, Luke and Matthew are joined by experienced businessman Martin Search to look at tax, the economy and how Guernsey can raise more money to fund the infrastructure and services it desperately needs.

    Be sure to subscribe so you receive the latest episodes on your feed and join the conversation through social media using #GuernseyVotes
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    22 mins