Morgan will not seek re-election

Laurie Morgan wished his successor a "productive year"

Guernsey's chief minister has told the States he will not be standing for the post in Monday's election.

Deputy Laurie Morgan resigned with the Policy Council after a Wales Audit Office (WAO) report into the tender process for a hospital block.

He said his decision was in the best interests of the States and the island.

Four candidates have now entered the race for the top job; Deputies Jonathan Le Tocq, Bernard Flouquet, Mike Torode and Peter Roffey.

I've done it the best interest of the States and the people of Guernsey Deputy Laurie Morgan

"I wanted to see it though but having reached the position we have I thought it would be more effective to have a new Chief Minister," he said.

"I've done it the best interest of the States and the people of Guernsey."

Deputy Morgan told the House he wishes whoever replaces him a "productive year".

"I was looking forward to the remaining year of my four-year term, for which I was elected by my peers," he said.

"Next week I'll be vacating this seat to my successor and I wish whoever that is a productive year before the general election next April."

The WAO report was written after investigators examined the tender process of a new clinical block at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.

The WAO was asked to carry out an independent investigation following concerns that the Policy Council may have used its influence to encourage building firm RG Falla to withdraw, despite its bid being £2.4m lower than the one accepted.

The report made a series of recommendations on how to improve the management of capital spending and dealing with conflicts of interest and its findings were accepted by the States on Thursday after two days of debate.

The election for the post of Chief Minister will take place on 5 March.

The other ministers for the Policy Council will be elected on 7 March and any positions created on committees and departments will be filled on 9 March.