Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands
Arms of His Majesty's Falkland Islands Government
Incumbent Andrea Clausen since 1 April 2025
Executive Council of the Falkland Islands Government of the Falkland Islands
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.

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

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