Deputy John Gollop has resigned as States’ Champion for Disabled People. It is for the best of reasons – his fellow deputies have elected him to onto the new Environment Board.  John is now on two busy departments, Environment and Social Security, and he’s had to make some tough decisions about his workload.
Here’s Deputy Gollop statement to the media:

“Like all States members when elected to a new position, I have had to consider how best to rationalise my other responsibilities. It has been a great honour to be States’ Champion for Disabled People for the last two years and I remain committed to achieving equality of opportunity for disabled islanders and their families in Guernsey. I’m particularly looking forward to being part of the Environment Department team that will be creating new disability transport options.
“There has been a marked increase in awareness of disabled islanders issues within the States in recent years and my proudest moment as Champion was seeing the Disability and Inclusion Strategy achieve unanimous support in the Assembly.
“I am also pleased that I was able to recruit a team of assistant Champions and I leave confident that Deputy Arrun Wilkie and Deputy Paul Le Pelley are fully up to speed and keen to see the Strategy implemented”.

And the GDA response from Chair, Shelaine Green:

“Deputy Gollop was a very popular choice for Disability Champion because he truly understands the issues our members face. As the most well known and visible of all the deputies, he has been a true ambassador, keen to ensure that disabled people are considered in every aspect of island life. We are very grateful for all his support over the last two years and look forward to continuing to work with him in his roles on Environment and SSD”.

The GDA is in discussions with the States about the appointment of a new Champion but in the meantime, if you need the support of a deputy regarding a disability issue, please contact John’s assistant Champions:
Deputy Arrun Wilkie (arrun.wilkie@deputies.gov.gg 07781 106514)
Deputy Paul Le Pelley (paul.lepelley@deputies.gov.gg 07781 146499).