Teslyn Barkman
Teslyn Barkman | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly for Camp | |
| In office 9 November 2017 – 31 October 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Phyl Rendell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 November 1987 |
| Party | Nonpartisan |
Teslyn Siobhan Barkman (born 17 November 1987)[1] is a Falkland Island journalist and politician who served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Camp constituency since the 2017 general election until 2025.[2] Prior to entering politics, she was a journalist for Penguin News.
Career
While working for Penguin News, she expressed concern about plans for Members of the Legislative Assembly to earn a full-time wage of £40,000, arguing that it was too high and would not attract suitable candidates.[3] In 2013, she was part of a delegation that travelled to the United States to lobby the United States Congress to recognise the results of the 2013 Falkland Islands sovereignty referendum.[4] Later that year, she stood for election in the 2013 Falkland Islands general election[5] being one of the youngest candidates standing and the only one under 30.[3][6] However, she failed to win a seat in the Stanley constituency, finishing sixth in the poll.[7][8]
In 2014 she started work at the Public Relations and Media Office for Falkland Islands Government.[9] Following this, in 2017, she stood for election to the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands again, this time standing in the Camp constituency. She won a seat in the Legislative Assembly at the 2017 Falkland Islands general election by gathering the second largest number of votes in the Camp constituency and also became the youngest ever woman to be elected to the assembly, at 29.[10]
Citizenship controversy
In 2022, Barkman applied for and received a New Zealand passport which she was entitled to due to her New Zealand born father. Questions were raised as the Constitution of the Falkland Islands disqualifies anyone from being an MLA or voting in the Falkland Islands if they are: "by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign Power or State.".[11] She received notice from the Falkland Islands registry service that due to the fact she had obtained New Zealand citizenship by her own action, she was disqualified from voting or being an MLA. Barkman sued the Attorney General of the Falkland Islands and was permitted to retain her seat while the matter was being adjudicated.[12] The case was heard by the Falkland Islands Supreme Court in 2023.[13] The court ruled that Commonwealth nations as of 2008 were not considered "foreign powers" in law, thus Barkman was allowed to remain in office.[14] She did not stand in the 2025 Falkland Islands general election.[15]
References
- ^ "Teslyn Barkman". YICCA. 17 November 1987. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
- ^ "Falkland Islands Elects New Legislative Assembly". MercoPress. 10 November 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
- ^ a b "Falklands debates full time lawmakers and how to attract younger generations to elected posts". MercoPress. 30 November 2012. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
- ^ "Falklands' referendum and self-determination receive support from US Congress". MercoPress. 18 April 2013. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
- ^ "17 candidates finally declare". Penguin News. Archived from the original on 30 October 2017. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
- ^ "Falkland Islands: General Election with a difference". MercoPress. 17 October 2013. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
- ^ "2013 General Election results". Falkland News. 7 November 2013. Archived from the original on 10 November 2013. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
- ^ "Dear Deborah: Full results from the Falkland Islands general election 2013". Dear Deborah. 10 November 2013. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
- ^ "The Honourable Teslyn Barkman". Office of the Legislative Assembly, Falkland Islands Government. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
- ^ "Falkland Islands Elects New Legislative Assembly". MercoPress. 10 November 2017. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
- ^ "Falklands constitutional debate: Can dual nationals vote and stand for office?". Merco Press. 14 October 2022. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
- ^ "MLA Barkman urges review on Falklands Voting Eligibility". Falkland Islands Television. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
- ^ "Supreme Court will decide on MLA Barkman's double status at hearing in Falklands". Merco Press. 23 June 2023. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
- ^ "Foreign allegiance revisited: Legislative Assembly Member keeps her seat". Brick Court Chambers. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
- ^ "General Election 2025". Falkland Islands Television. 13 November 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2026.