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."

Protestors to meet deputies ahead of Guernsey's GST debate
Venue change for World Cup semi-final screening in Guernsey
Discarded glass blamed for Little Sark fire
Appointment of Guernsey's first female Bailiff
Sensitive demolition at Guernsey's largest building site to begin soon
Private fostering laws could be updated in Guernsey and Alderney
Guernsey big screen for World Cup Semi-Final sold out
Hundreds protest against a goods and services tax for Guernsey