Lyndon Farnham Is Next Chief Minister

Lyndon Farnham will be Jersey's next Chief Minister, replacing Kristina Moore who was ousted in a historic vote of no confidence.

He won the majority of the vote 27 to 22 over Deputy Ian Gorst after Reform Jersey leader Sam Mezec was forced to drop out in the first round.

The initial ballot had been Deputy Gorst 21, Deputy Farnham 17, Deputy Mezec 10, with 1 abstention.

In round two, Reform backed Deputy Farnham.

Final votes

He will formally take the top role next week when the Council of Ministers is also elected into their positions.

After the vote Deputy Farnham thanked the States.

"I want to thank my fellow candidates for a very fair and forthright election. I thank my supporters for the advice they have given me throughout the week.

I hope we can have a more united assembly and I want to reiterate that the door is open to all members in relation to forming a government."

Deputy Lyndon Farnham speaking to reporters following his election

In his speech during the election, Deputy Farnham said that politicians had voted for change.

"That must be delivered and I will show a different style of leadership."

Speaking to reports outside the Chamber, the Chief Minister Designate says quick decisions need to be made on key issues like housing and the cost of living.

"Win or lose, as far as I'm concerned, when a decision is made we have to try and stick to it.

As we have seen with projects such as the hospital, when we delay something in the quest of something better the costs go up and the people of Jersey ultimately suffer."

He also publically threw his support behind the multi-site hospital, despite previously being a staunch supporter of a single-site option.

Deputy Farnham will put forward his nominations for the ministerial positions by Monday (29 Jan) at 9.30am, with the election taking place the following day.

After that, Deputy Farnham's tenure will begin.

Politicians have begun congratulating Deputy Farnham on his victory, including contender Sam Mezec

Huge congrats to @lyndonfarnham on his election as Chief Minister.

I believe he won because he signaled to members that he wants to lead a genuinely inclusive government. We desperately need it.

That is why I was pleased to vote for him in the second round.

— Deputy Sam Mézec (@SamMezecJsy) January 25, 2024