Sir Philip Bailhache presides over the States as Bailiff for the last time before retirement

THE Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache, said a fond final goodbye to the States Chamber yesterday as he retired from office.

He thanked Members for their support, company and friendship over a States career that has spanned 37 years since he first sat in the House as a Deputy for Grouville, then as Solicitor General, Attorney General, Deputy Bailiff and, since 1995, as Bailiff.

When a 26-year-old Philip Bailhache took his seat as Deputy of Grouville for the first time in 1972, three of the current Members of the States were not yet born.

After a farewell tribute from Privileges chairman Juliette Gallichan – and with Jurats, staff from the Bailiff’s Office and Royal Court ushers watching from the public gallery – Sir Philip told Mrs Gallichan that he had enjoyed his time in the States.

‘I have, as you have said, presided over the Assembly for more than 15 years and been a Member for 37 years,’ he said. ‘Members may find this surprising, but I have enjoyed nearly every minute.’

• An interview with Sir Philip is published in today’s Jersey Evening Post