Rick Lowe, who founded The Guernsey Party, has died.
Mr Lowe was a candidate in this year's general election but pulled out because of ill health.
Mr Lowe was born and educated in Guernsey. He spent a number of years in Australia before returning to the island where he ran a group of small companies.
In a post on social media, Deputy Mark Helyar, who leads the Guernsey Party, said that he was "the inspiration for a new way of doing politics in Guernsey" and adds that Mr Lowe will be "much missed".
The Guernsey Party posted that: "We are devastated by this evening’s news that our inspiration and founder, Rick Lowe, has passed away after a valiant battle against illness. Rick will be sorely missed by his loving family and by his many friends. Our thoughts are with them all. RIP Rick."
Guernsey football star Maya Le Tissier scores for England
New Guernsey form aims to identify dangerous road spots
GSPCA condemns dangerous cow-taunting video and urges respect for livestock
Crew sickness leads to Alderney flight cancellations
Pop-ups to highlight homelessness in Guernsey
Guernsey pub landlord welcomes tap relief proposal
Wettest day in months for Guernsey
Guernsey ranked 2nd best British island
