Scrutiny Committees

St Helena is governed within a democratic system where the people of St Helena elect members of the public to represent them in Legislative Council (LegCo).

Following a General Election in October 2022, the system of governance changed from a Council Committee system to a Ministerial system, to allow for the election of a Chief Minister by secret ballot from amongst the 12 Elected Members. 

The Chief Minister then recommends to the Governor the appointment of 4 Minsters and together they form the Executive Council.

Part of the remit of the seven Elected Members of Legislative Council who are not Ministers will be to examine and scrutinise the performance of sectors of government through Select Committees.  This will include scrutinising the decision making of Ministers and contribute to ensuring the effective use of public funds. 

Select Committees

Select Committee 1

Is responsible for the following sectors of Government
Health and Social Care,
Environment, Natural Resources and Planning, and
Education, Skills and Employment;

Chairman, Hon Robert Midwinter
Member, Hon Gillian Brooks
Member, Hon Ronald Coleman
Member, Hon Elizabeth Knipe
Secretary, Marita Bagley

Order Papers

SP 31/2023 (Hon Robert Midwinter) Select Committee 1 – Report to Legislative Council on the First Meeting of Select Committee 1, published on 12 September 2023 – Fisheries: A Cross-Functional Review

SP 39/2024   (Hon Robert Midwinter) St Helena Legislative Council – Report to Legislative Council on the Second Meeting of Select Committee 1, published on 2 July 2024 – Farming Support, Land Use Review and Poultry Production (Day old chicks/incubation unit)

SP 40/2024   (Hon Robert Midwinter) St Helena Legislative Council – Select Committee 1 – Environment Natural Resources & Planning progress report to implement Fisheries recommendations (Progress at September 2024) and Health & Social Care progress report to implement Fisheries recommendations (Progress at September 2024)

SP 41/2024   (Hon Robert Midwinter) St Helena Legislative Council – Select Committee 1 – Environment Natural Resources & Planning progress report to implement Farming recommendations (Progress at September 2024)

Select Committee 2

Is responsible for the following sectors of Government

Treasury, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, and
Safety, Security and Home Affairs.
Chairperson, Hon Dr Corinda Essex
Member, Hon Karl Thrower
Member, Hon Andrew Turner
Secretary, Morgan Thomas-Henry

Order Papers

Select Committee 2 Formal Session

SP 19/2024 (Hon Dr Corinda Essex) St Helena Legislative Council – Select Committee 2 – Report to Legislative Council on the First Meeting of Select Committee 2, published on 4 December 2023 – Disposal of St Helena Government Assets (Excluding Lands and Buildings)

SP 23/2024 (Hon Dr Corinda Essex) St Helena Legislative Council – Select Committee 2 – Additional Reponses pertaining to the Report to Legislative Council on the First Meeting of Select Committee 2, published on 4 December 2023 – Disposal of St Helena Government Assets (Excluding Lands and Buildings)  


Select Committee Order
Select Committee Order Amendment