States members sworn in as Chief Minister discusses Ministerial options

Jersey's Chief Minister has spoken to Channel 103 about forming his new team, after newly-elected States Members were sworn in to office at the Royal Court.

Of the new group of 49 politicians representing the island, 13 are new to the States Assembly and three - Senator Alan Maclean, Constable Steve Pallett, and Deputy Gerald Voisin - have made a return.

A record 22 of the 49 members are women, which includes the first-ever female Constable of St Helier, Inna Gardiner.

Four of the 22 women elected are part of Reform Jersey- Deputies Carina Alves, Catherine Curtis, Lyndsay Feltham, and Beatriz Porée.

Deputy Alves said:

"It's always a shock (to be elected), especially topping the poll, I don't think anybody expects it or aims for that, so I'm really chuffed and very taken aback that people continually put their trust in me. I'm glad that people are recognising the work I'm doing."

It was still a tough election for the party after senior party members Sam Mézec and Rob Ward missed out on re-election.

Deputy Alves added:

"We still need some time. It was only Monday when I was waiting for my results, and I think that we have to move onwards and upwards and take learnings from it."

There will not be a vote on choosing a Chief Minister, as Senator Lyndon Farnham was the only candidate to apply for the role.

He's had the role since January 2024 after Kristina Moore was ousted in an historic vote of no confidence.

Senator Farnham said:

"We've changed the focus from individuals to the policies and the priorities of islanders, they will come first. We listen to them in the electorate.

"We've got to get the hospital built, we've got to bear down on public expenditure, we've got to start growing the economy, we've got to make sure our housing supply increases, and we provide more schemes for young islanders to get into their own homes.

"The big long-term challenge is the demographics of how we're going to look as an island many years from now.

"We're seeing an ageing population, which is good news, we're all living longer, that is going to require more health and care facilities.

"Perhaps more problematic is we're seeing a falling birth rate, which could impact upon our economy moving forward.

"Those are things we're all going to be getting to grips with very early on in the next government."

Those subjects were included in his vision statement, which also features:

• Renewing Jersey's appetite for growth
• Delivering better government by strengthening accountability, improving collaboration across departments, embracing digital transformation and 'maintaining a relentless focus on delivery'
• Competing internationally and ensuring the island's voice is heard and respected abroad

The Chief Minister has already publicly stated who he will nominate for one Ministerial position - that being Senator Helen Miles for Justice and Home Affairs.

Senator Miles did consider running for Chief Minister, after finishing top of the Senatorial poll at the election, but reached a deal with Senator Farnham.

Senator Miles said:

"When I stood for election, I certainly did not expect to top the poll and because I did, that gave a little bit of a different complexion about what might happen in the future.

"I stood on a platform of unity, I want everyone to work together to deliver the best for Jersey, so I said that I would take some time to have a think and have some constructive discussions - and actually the discussions I've had with Senator Farnham have been very positive and constructive.

"I decided that, for the benefit of the island, I would be prepared to support him to go forward as Chief Minister."

Senator Miles is the only States member to be publicly nominated so far by Senator Farnham.

Channel 103 asked the Chief Minister about some other members of his team he'd like to have on board.

Senator Farnham added:

"I'd very much like Tom (Binet) to finish the hospital and stay with the health project and Helen (Miles) is going back to Home Affairs and I must mention (Senator) Mary Le Hegarat who has been a brilliant Home Affairs Minister and done a fantastic job there, but Mary is now ready for a change, so she'll play a key role in the next government.

"Mary came in on an island-wide mandate, I work well with Mary, she's got an exceptional skillset and we went Mary in government.

Channel 103 also asked Senator Farnham about any newcomers to his top team, including the potential option of Senator Alan Maclean returning as Treasury Minister.

"He (Alan Maclean) could do it again, we're having those conversations, I'm pleased to see Alan back.

"I think the new government, it's important to state, we're going to carry some people forward, have some new people, some older members, some newer members, we want the government to be fully representative of the States Assembly."

In a States sitting on Friday 19 June, Senator Farnham will make a statement of up to ten minutes and then face up to one hour of questions from States Members.

He then has to publish who he wants to form his Council of Ministers by 9:30am on Friday 26 June.

On Monday 29 June, the assembly will vote on the Chief Minister's nominations. Other States members can be proposed for Ministerial roles.

Chairs of scrutiny panels will then be appointed, before the first 'standard' meeting of the new States Assembly takes place on Tuesday 14 July.