| Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands | |
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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 |
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Thechief executive of the Falklands Islands is head of the public service responsible for the efficient and effective management of theFalkland Islands Government.[1] The appointment, role and powers of the chief executive are set out in theConstitution of the Falkland Islands.[2]
Since there-establishment of British rule on the Falkland Islands in the 19th century, the governor, through consultation with the electedLegislative Council of the Falkland Islands, had almost complete control over executive power on the Falklands.
Following theFalklands War in 1982,Lord Shackleton published a report on theGovernment of the Falkland Islands which recommended many modernisations, including the creation of the office of the chief executive to which many powers of the governor were delegated.[3] In 1983David G. P. Taylor became the first chief executive of the Falkland Islands[4] and in 1985 theConstitution of the Falklands came into force, formalising the office.[5] In 2009 a new constitution was established which further defined the role and powers of the chief executive.[6]
The chief executive is acivil service position, appointed by thegovernor on the advice of theexecutive council.[7] The executive council normally makes its selection through the use of acommittee and the chief executive serves a term of three years, which can be extend a further two years at the request of the executive council.
Under Section 83 of the constitution, the chief executive is officially the head of the public service on the islands and the governor can delegate some of the powers of his or her office to the chief executive. In this role, the chief executive is responsible for the implementation of decisions across government, and the efficient and effective management of the government. This includes the generation and analysis of strategy and policy options for the consideration of the Legislative Assembly.[8]
The chief executive is anex officio member of theLegislative Assembly, theexecutive council and theAdvisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, and also acts asStanley'sreturning officer duringgeneral elections.
| Name | Entered office | Left office |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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