Deputy Heidi Soulsby says, after three terms in office, it is time to step aside from politics in Guernsey.
Deputy Soulsby was first elected in 2012. She has written an open letter announcing her intention not to stand in June's election.
She says she believes that a deputy should stand for a maximum of three political terms before taking a break and this has prompted her decision:
"I have put my heart and soul into the role of People’s Deputy, but I am ready to take time out to look for new challenges outside of politics where I hope I can make a positive impact."
Heidi Soulsby quickly rose to prominence and headed up Guernsey's biggest spending committee, Health and Social Care. She pioneered the Partnership of Purpose and says that shows what can be achieved through working together:
"I am most proud of what was achieved at Health & Social Care, which showed what could be done when people work together in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect."
Deputy Soulsby was deputy Chief Minister during the pandemic and received an MBE for her services.
She says the support she has received during her time in office has been invaluable:
"I would like to thank my friends and family, especially my husband Phil, for their moral support these past 13 years. I could not have done it without them."
The June 2025 election will see a number of Guernsey's political heavyweights not contesting a seat, including deputies Lyndon Trott, Al Brouard and Peter Roffey.
Deputy Soulsby says she may stand again in future:
"But, for now, it is for others to come up with new workable ideas, try to solve current and future problems and be held accountable for their decisions.
"It won’t be easy. We face challenges internally and externally, some that we know about and others that we can’t foresee or control, but I wish those who are elected in June all the best in the next term."
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