 From 1999 to 2005, Syvret was President of the Health and Social Services Committee in the committee-based system of administration that existed at that time.With the start of a new system of ministerial government in December 2005, Syvret was one of two candidates for the post of Chief Minister, along with Senator Frank Walker.In a secret ballot on 5 December 2005, the States' assembly elected Walker to be the first Chief Minister in Jersey history by 38 votes to Syvret's 14.