David Earl believes the States of Alderney 'is not fit for purpose.' His comments come after the island's most senior politician, its CEO and its media manager all leave their posts within days.

Last Saturday (14 December), Nigel Vooght, who was the most senior politician in Alderney, resigned.

He blamed political infighting and a breakdown in his professional relationship with the president of the States of Alderney, William Tate.

On Monday, the Policy and Finance Committee, comprising all nine remaining States members met, and appointed Ian Carter as Mr Vooght's temporary replacement.

Mr Earl understands that at that meeting, Alderney's CEO, Theo Leijser, either stepped down or was asked to leave the role that he had been in for less than a year:

"It was a meeting of Policy and Finance that voted his six months probation period had come to an end."

In a brief statement, the States of Alderney made it clear that it would not comment now, nor in the future, about the CEO, also known as Chief Clerk:

"The States of Alderney, in its role as employer, has the responsibility to protect the data of all of our employees.

Hence matters between an employee and their employer are for those parties only, and we do not comment on specifics relating to them."

Theo Leijser is the fifth CEO in Alderney in as many years. He led the Isles of Scilly council and was until recently responsible for the economy and regeneration at Ayrshire council in south west Scotland.

Theo Leijser, (L) and Nigel Vooght (R) meet in late 2023 following Mr Leijser's appointment as CEO.

The States' media relations manager is also understood to have resigned this week.

David Earl, who left his role as a politician in 2020, mid-way through his term, says it is clear that there is something wrong in the States:

"I would go as far to say that the States of Alderney is not fit for purpose. You've got ten people on the States, all of whom have different agendas, and there is no one providing adequate leadership."

Guernsey's senior politician has not commented on the situation in Alderney, other than to express regret at Nigel Vooght's departure.

A by election to replace Mr Vooght will take place in Alderney in March 2025.