Chief Minister Ousted In Confidence Vote

Jersey's Chief Minister has been ousted following a lengthy and close-run vote of no confidence in the States.

22 voted to support Deputy Kristina Moore while 27 wanted her out after just 18 months in the island's top political job.

During the debate, accusations of bullying were brought up again by some deputies voting against her leadership.

"Do I believe that the former Chief Executive was subject to bullying or not? I believe she was traumatised from her experience with the Council of Ministers." - Deputy Moz Scott

"Government is more akin to a large freight train than a Formula One car. Back in June 2022 the people of this island set us on a course and we all got on that train.

Some of us were already on it, some left and a new driver took control. It had to slow down to let us on board but it didn't stop.

As this government set the new course, we have gradually built momentum." - Deputy David Warr, Housing Minister.

"Jersey is facing terminal decline. Over the last two years we had a net loss of around 900 locally qualified islanders.

That's people deeply connected to Jersey leaving in greater numbers leaving to live their lives elsewhere." - Deputy Sam Mezec, Reform Jersey leader.

In a late heavy blow to the Chief Minister’s hopes of retaining her position, the Assistant Education and Treasury Minister, Constable Richard Vibert, resigned from his government roles while the debate was in progress, so that he could support the vote of no confidence.

He says that his mind was changed by his parishioners.

"My reasons are not to do with the Chief Minister herself, over the weekend and yesterday I received numerous calls and emails from parishioners and as I wrote my speech yesterday, I couldn't help but feel I was contradicting their views in that speech.

Matters they raised included the cost of living and I think they see a lack of compassion."

The Health Minister, Deputy Karen Wilson's leadership was brought up on both sides, after Deputy Moore chose to support Deputy Wilson. That was after Assistant Chief Minister, Constable Andy Jehan resigned over the way the Health department was run.

Deputy Rose Binet, who co-signed the no confidence motion, was scathing towards the Health Minister.

"Once Deputy Wilson had become Health Minister she became an individual I no longer recognised and I was alarmed by her first instruction to me which was not to speak with deputies Barbara Ward or Howell on health matters.

At the beginning of last year I was called to a meeting with a senior civil servant who inquired why I wasn't down to attend meetings -was it through choice?

I explained that it was not, but the Health Minister had made it clear I was not someone she wanted on her team.

I brought these issues to the attention of the Chief Minister who unfortunately did nothing."

Defeated Deputy Kristina Moore leaving the States building moments after her government fell.

Now Deputy Moore has been removed, a process has begun to replace her and her ministers.

Members can now put themselves forward for the senior role before 5pm on Wednesday (17 January) and they will need the backing of six other politicians.

A selection meeting will happen, where those who have nominated themselves can attempt to persuade the States Assembly to vote them in.

While this happens, Deputy Moore will remain in office. It’s expected the new government will be constituted by the end of next week.