Standing Up (Again)

On Wednesday, I officially handed in my nomination to stand for election to the States — and although the paperwork itself is straightforward, the experience this time felt very different.

I’ve been through this process before. In 2016, I signed my declaration without fully understanding what I was stepping into. But this time, I do. I know exactly what the job involves — how hard it is, how frustrating it can be, and how much it matters. And still, I signed.

That moment at the Greffe was both solemn and energising. It marks the start of a whirlwind campaign, but for me, it also marks a deeper decision: to step forward with clear eyes, open ears, and real commitment to the people of this Island.

I thought carefully about who I would ask to propose and second me. I’m delighted and proud to be backed by two very different — but equally valuable — pillars of Guernsey’s political and civic life.

My proposer, Diane de Garis, is a leader in everything she does. A successful businesswoman and Chamber of Commerce President from 2022 to 2024, she understands the challenges facing Guernsey and brings insight and drive to everything she takes on. I’m honoured to have her support:

"Sarah is a candidate I deeply respect and admire. As a voter, one of my key interests is education, a topic about which Sarah is both knowledgeable and passionate. She understands that while there is no utopia, we must review our plans and strive for real progress and reassessment in this area, without further delays impacting our children.

I see Sarah as a true doer, someone who is genuinely collaborative and works with Guernsey's best interests at heart. She embodies the principles of teamwork and understands that true progress comes from listening, building on others' ideas, and making her partners look good, not just herself.

Sarah acts with integrity and is a trustworthy candidate. Importantly, she takes action and responsibility, rather than opposing for opposition’s sake. Her ability to work collaboratively and her commitment to making informed decisions are exactly what we need in our government. I wholeheartedly support her candidacy and believe she will be a valuable asset to our community.”

My seconder, Christopher James Green, is no stranger to Guernsey politics. He served as a Deputy for Castel from 2012 to 2020 and remains a keen observer of local government, even now working full time as an advocate. His endorsement means a great deal to me:

"Sarah was a hardworking and committed Deputy for the Vale between 2016–2020. She has a strong record on equality issues and has proven herself to be a supportive voice for the disabled community and the vulnerable. The next Assembly will need people like Sarah to scrutinise how policy is affecting real people who may not have a voice themselves.”

These are not small endorsements. They are statements of belief in the kind of politics I want to be part of — collaborative, principled, serious, and grounded in the lives of real people.

So yes, I signed up. And I did it knowing the weight of the job, not just the visibility of the campaign trail. If elected, I will take what I’ve learned from my first term and bring that experience, drive, and focus to the work ahead.

Now, the real campaign begins. I hope to earn your support — and your trust — to serve again.