New Legislative Council Elected

The Falkland Islands has elected eight new Members to serve on the Legislative Council, following a General Election on 22 November. The term of this Council will be for four years. A turnout of 69% in the Stanley constituency and 82% in the Camp constituency voted for five Councillors to serve from Stanley and three from Camp (the local term for countryside outside Stanley). Seventeen candidates stood in the Election and five of the old Council were returned. Left to right: Philip MIller, Mike Summers, Norma Edwards, Richard Cockwell, John Birmingham, Jan Cheek, Stephen Luxton and Roger Edwards

In a non-binding referendum also held on Election day, the people of the Falkland Islands voted against changing the two-constituency system, under which the new Councillors were elected, to a single constituency. The elected members to Legislative Council for the Stanley constituency are: John Birmingham, Jan Cheek, Richard Cockwell, Stephen Luxton and Mike Summers. Stephen Luxton, 29, is the youngest member on the Council and the only Stanley Member not to have served on the last Council. From the Camp constituency, husband and wife team Roger and Norma Edwards and Philip Miller were elected. Norma has served on several previous Councils. The eight Councillors vote each year for three Members to serve on Executive Council. Jan Cheek (Stanley), Norma Edwards (Camp) and Roger Edwards (Camp/Stanley) have been elected to the first Executive Council of this term. Both the Executive and Legislative Council are chaired by the Governor, although Legislative Council has recently agreed to consider the election of a Speaker. Government officials also attend in either a constitutional or ex-officio capacity, as does the Commander of the British Forces. Only Councillors have the right to vote. Falkland Islanders enjoy internal self-government as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom.

Showcasing the Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands Government Office in London has been transformed into a modern showcase for the Islands. Maintaining its traditional shop façade, the stunning new reception area will exhibit local artists’ work in a purpose-built gallery area, display Falklands’ goods and services and provide general information on the Islands in imaginative displays. Goods will be available for purchase including crafts, cards and books. Baroness Scotland, the former Minister for the Overseas Territories at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, officially opened the new showcase on 25 October in front of distinguished guests including Members of Parliament, Foreign Office officials and journalists.

Sam Allanson-Bailey, Customer Services & Marketing Manager at Falkland House said: "We are presenting the Islands as they are today, dynamic and forward looking, combined with a unique charm and a personal touch. We want to show the best of the Falkland Islands, turn people’s heads, capture interest - and build business." Sukey Cameron and Baroness Scotland

For further information on any aspect of the Falkland Islands please visit: www.falklandislands.com www.falklands.gov.fk

Falkland Islands Government Office, Falkland House, 14 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH Tel: 020 7222 2542 Fax: 020 7222 2375 E-mail: rep@falklands.gov.fk Feedback to: Falkland Islands Government Office