History
Prior to the creation of the Chief Minister, Saint Helena was governed using a committee system under the Governor of Saint Helena that was deemed inadequate for the needs of the territory. [4] The creation of the post was approved following the 2021 Saint Helena governance system referendum. The post of chief minister is the equivalent of a premier or prime minister in other British Overseas Territories. [5] This includes the ability to advise the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Council in order to call a general election. [6] They also have meetings with British ministers responsible for the British Overseas Territories. When the holder is not present in Saint Helena, they may nominate a minister to act as deputy for them. [7]
The inaugural (and current) Chief Minister is Julie Thomas, who took office on 25 October 2021. This came after she had been elected by her fellow members of the Legislative Council of Saint Helena, presided over by the Governor exercising his Royal commission from Queen Elizabeth II until a Speaker of the Legislative Council of Saint Helena was elected. [8] The Chief Minister is able to exercise powers to enter Saint Helena into international agreements, as seen when Thomas negotiated an agreement with the British government to take illegal immigrants that landed on the British Indian Ocean Territory in exchange for extra money for Saint Helena. [9] [10]
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