Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands |
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![]() Arms of His Majesty's
Falkland Islands Government |
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Incumbent
Andrea Clausen since 1 April 2025 |
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Executive Council of the Falkland Islands Government of the Falkland Islands |
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Style | The Honourable |
Appointer | Governor of the Falkland Islands |
Term length | At the governor's pleasure |
Formation | December 1983 |
First holder | David G. P. Taylor |
Website | Office of the Chief Executive |
The Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands is a very important person in the Falkland Islands Government. Think of them as the main manager of all the public services. Their job is to make sure the government runs smoothly and effectively. The rules for this role, like how they are chosen and what they can do, are written in the Constitution of the Falkland Islands.
Contents
History of the Chief Executive Role
Early Government in the Falklands
After British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands was re-established in 1833, the Governor had most of the power. The Governor worked with the elected Legislative Council of the Falkland Islands, but still had a lot of control over how the islands were run.
Changes After the Falklands War
In 1982, there was a conflict called the Falklands War. After the war, a report was written by Lord Shackleton. This report suggested many modern changes for the Falkland Islands Government. One big idea was to create the job of the Chief Executive. This new role would take over some of the powers that the Governor used to have.
In December 1983, David G. P. Taylor became the very first Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands. A few years later, in 1985, the Constitution of the Falkland Islands was put into place. This officially made the Chief Executive a formal position in the government. Later, in 2009, a new constitution was created. This new document further explained the Chief Executive's duties and powers.
How the Chief Executive Is Chosen and What They Do
Appointment Process
The Chief Executive is a civil service position. This means they are a professional who works for the government, not someone elected by the public. The Governor chooses the Chief Executive. They do this after getting advice from the Executive Council of the Falkland Islands. The Executive Council usually picks the best person for the job through a special committee.
The Chief Executive usually serves for three years. If the Executive Council thinks they are doing a great job, their term can be extended for another two years.
Main Responsibilities and Powers
According to Section 83 of the Falkland Islands Constitution, the Chief Executive is the official leader of all public services on the islands. The Governor can also give some of their own powers to the Chief Executive.
In this important role, the Chief Executive is responsible for:
- Making sure that all government decisions are put into action.
- Managing the government efficiently and effectively.
- Developing and looking at different plans and ideas for the Legislative Assembly to consider.
The Chief Executive is also a special member of several important groups. They are an "ex officio member," which means they are a member because of their job. These groups include:
- The Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands, which makes laws.
- The Executive Council of the Falkland Islands, which helps run the government.
- The Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, which advises on legal matters.
The Chief Executive also acts as the "returning officer" for Stanley during general elections. This means they oversee the elections in the capital city.
List of Chief Executives
Name | Entered office | Left office |
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David G. P. Taylor | December 1983 | April 1987 |
Brian Cummings | April 1987 | May 1988 |
Colin Redston (acting) | June 1988 | August 1988 |
Rex Browning (acting) | August 1988 | September 1988 |
David G. P. Taylor (interim) (2nd time) | September 1988 | April 1989 |
Ronald Sampson | April 1989 | September 1994 |
Andrew Gurr | September 1994 | November 1999 |
Michael Blanch | January 2000 | March 2003 |
Chris Simpkins | March 2003 | 12 September 2007 |
Michael Blanch (interim) (2nd time) | 12 September 2007 | 3 January 2008 |
Tim Thorogood | 3 January 2008 | 1 February 2012 |
Keith Padgett | 1 February 2012 | 3 October 2016 |
Barry Rowland | 3 October 2016 | April 2021 |
Andy Keeling | April 2021 | 31 March 2025 |
Andrea Clausen | 1 April 2025 | present |
See also
In Spanish: Jefe del Ejecutivo de las Islas Malvinas para niños
- List of current heads of government in the United Kingdom and dependencies