The Island Council consists of the Administrator as President, plus three appointed and eight elected members. At least one member of the council must be a woman.

See also:

21st Century Island Council

There are no political parties or trade unions on Tristan. However, democracy is alive and well in the form of an Island Council consisting of the Administrator as President, plus three appointed and eight elected members. At least one member of the council must be a woman.

A separate election is held for the post of Chief Islander.

When first appointed, the Island Council select a Vice President. Members are also appointed to the Council's Sub Committees, which supervise a range of activities and submit regular reports for the Council to consider at future meetings.

Island Council elections are held every three years and the current island council will serve from 2025-2028. 

The Tristan da Cunha Coat of Arms

2025 Island Council Election

On 5th March 2025 a General Election was held to choose a Chief Islander and eight elected councillors.

Ian Lavarello was elected Chief Islander, serving in this post for a fourth time.

Simon Glass, Ian Lavarello, Larry Swain, Iris Green, Rodney Green, Steve Swain, Lorraine Repetto and Randall Repetto were elected as councillors.

Allan Swain, Janine Lavarello and Vera Glass were appointed as councillors by Administrator Philip Kendall.

There were 200 eligible voters of whom 166 voted, making the turnout an impressive 83%.

For the full results see: 2025 Election Results 
James Wallace with members of the Tristan da Cunha Island Council in the Council Chamber on 16th October 2025. Left to Right - Back Row: Rodney Green, Janine Lavarello, Simon Glass, Larry Swain, Chief Islander Ian Lavarello, Randall Repetto; Front Row: Lorraine Repetto, James Wallace, Administrator Philip Kendall, Iris Green. Absent Island Councillors: Vera Glass, Allan Swain, Steve Swain.

Managing Director of the Falklands fishing company Fortuna James Wallace
with members of the Tristan da Cunha Island Council in the Council Chamber on 16th October 2025.
Left to Right - Back Row: Rodney Green, Janine Lavarello, Simon Glass, Larry Swain,
Chief Islander Ian Lavarello, Randall Repetto;
Front Row: Lorraine Repetto, James Wallace, Administrator Philip Kendall, Iris Green.
Absent Island Councillors: Vera Glass, Allan Swain, Steve Swain.
Photo: Julia Gunther
For more on the Island Council see the Government News pages

Government Building

The only 2 storey building on the island (the lower floor houses the Internet Cafe) is sometimes referred to as 'Whitehall' or the 'H'admin Building' and contains the Administrator's Office, Treasury Department, Administration Offices and the Council Chamber where Island Council meetings are held.