Farnham's Pick For COM

Chief Minister designate Lyndon Farnham has announced his pick of politicians to form Jersey's next government.

The island's new leader had until 9.30 this morning (29 January) to submit his list of preferred candidates to fill the 11 vacant ministerial seats at the top table.

Deputy Farnham had promised an inclusive Council of Ministers, and said the door was open to all States members to speak to him about a role.

He has given roles to Reform Jersey party members, proposing that Deputy Sam Mezec return as Housing Minister in place of David Warr. It is a position Deputy Mezec last held from 2018 to 2020, when he resigned to support a vote of no confidence in then Chief Minister John Le Fondre.

I am very pleased that the new Chief Minister has offered to nominate me for the role of Minister for Housing.

I look forward to making my case to States Members tomorrow.

I hope my decisive approach and intrinsic understanding of this portfolio area can put me in good stead.

— Deputy Sam Mézec (@SamMezecJsy) January 29, 2024

Reform's deputy leader Lyndsay Feltham has been asked to become Social Security Minister.

Constable Andy Jehan, who resigned from his Assistant Chief Minister duties under outgoing CM Kristina Moore. and who supported the motion to remove her from office, has been put forward to become Infrastructure Minister.

Another Constable, Richard Vibert, who also resigned from the previous government and voted Deputy Moore from office, has been lined up to become Children and Education Minister.  He was Assistant Minister to Deputy Inna Gardiner.

However, Deputy Farnham wants to split the role, so there is a Minister for Childre and a Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, and eventually put Reform's Deputy Rob Ward into the latter role.

I'm very pleased to see the new role of Minister for Education and lifelong learning being created. And to be nominated when this is complete. Equally Children's Minister with a specific mandate. Gives a key role in COM. I hope the assembly will support these changes.

— 🌈Deputy Rob Ward (Reform Jersey)🌈 (@deputyrobward) January 29, 2024

Ex-Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet, who instigated the VONC in Deputy Moore, could become Health Minister. Deputy Farnham said last week that he believed it made sense for Deputy Binet to continue to lead on the long-running project to deliver a new hospital.

Deputy Farnham also wants Deputy Binet as his Deputy Chief Minister.

The new CM, previously a staunch supporter of a single-site facility, has since said he will pursue the multi-site programme.

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat is proposed as Justice and Home Affairs Minister, replacing Deputy Helen Miles.

There is no place on the COM for Jonathan Renouf.  Instead his job as Environment Minister could go to Steve Luce.

Deputy Farnham has offered Deputy Ian Gorst his job as External Relations Minister back, with responsibility for Financial Services, and moved Deputy Elaine Millar from Social Security to Treasury.

Deputy Carolyn Labey would retain her International Development role, and Deputy Kirsten Morel would carry on at Economic Development.

Ministers will be elected in a States sitting on Tuesday (30 January).  All 11 roles can be contest by any States member.

Where Deputy Farnham faces a challenge to his choice, there will be a vote to fill the role.

Explained: Choosing The New Council Of Ministers