Three Members To Go For Top Job

Three politicians have put their names forward to take the role of Chief Minister, replacing ousted Kristina Moore.

One of deputies Ian Gorst, Lyndon Farnham and Sam Mezec will be Jersey's next Chief Minister.

The trio has each garnered the required six signatures to be in the running for the top job.

Deputy Kristina Moore was forced out of office in a historic vote of no confidence yesterday (16 Jan).

Deputy Sam Mezec

Sam Mezec's presence on this list is no surprise, as he has made it clear in media interviews since the VONC was lodged that he would put himself forward for the role.

As leader of the only political party, Reform Jersey, it was also guaranteed he would get the six signatories required.

Our party leader, Deputy Sam Mézec, is running for Chief Minister.

After 18 months of dysfunctionality and inaction, his candidacy provides Jersey with a chance to reset and form a government which stands for social and economic justice. pic.twitter.com/K2Mh6FtKAf

— Reform Jersey (@ReformJersey) January 17, 2024

Deputy Mezec first came to the States a decade ago, in March 2014. He was also elected into the role of senator in 2018 before becoming a deputy again after the role was abolished.

Reform Jersey invited the Chief Minister to crisis talks in the run-up to the VONC, but members say the Chief Minister didn't give 'serious assurances' and things 'can't continue as they are'.

Deputy Mezec was previously Housing Minister under John Le Fondre's government but resigned to support the confidence vote in his leadership brought on by the then Senator Moore.

He also ran for the top job alongside Deputy Moore in 2022.

His party have backed his campaign.

• Deputy Lyndsay Feltham
• Deputy Catherine Curtis
• Deputy Geoff Southern
• Deputy Raluca Kovacs
• Deputy Carina Alves
• Deputy Tom Coles
• Deputy Rob Ward
• Deputy Beatriz Porée
• Deputy Montfort Tadier

Deputy Ian Gorst

Deputy Gorst is a well-known figure in Jersey politics having held the office of Chief Minister twice, between 2011 and 2018.

During his tenure, he commissioned the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry into historic and systemic abuse in the island's care system.

He also served as External Relations Minister as a Senator in John Le Fondre's government and took centre stage during the French fishing protests in 2021.

It was rumoured before the VONC that Deputy Gorst would try for a third round as the island's top politician should Deputy Moore be ousted, but the Treasury Minister had made no public comment until today (17 Jan).

He has the backing of the majority of the outgoing Council of Ministers and Chief Minister.

• Deputy Helen Miles
• Deputy Malcolm Ferey
• Deputy Lucy Stephenson
• Deputy Steve Ahier
• Deputy Louise Doublet
• Deputy Inna Gardiner
• Deputy David Warr
• Deputy Kristina Moore
• Deputy Steve Luce
• Deputy Kirsten Morel
• Deputy Elaine Millar
• Connétable David Johnson
• Deputy Max Andrews
• Connétable Deidre Mezbourian

Deputy Lyndon Farnham

Lyndon Farnham is a veteran politician in the island, first coming into the States Chamber as a deputy in 1999.

He was then elected as a senator in 2011 and served in the island-wide role until it was removed in 2022.

He was a staunch supporter of the single-site hospital at Overdale and has fiercely opposed the outgoing government's plans for a multi-site facility.

Deputy Farnham also served as Economic Development Minister under John Le Fondre.

He has the backing of six Constables: 

• Connétable Simon Crowcroft
• Connétable Richard Vibert
• Connétable Richard Honeycombe
• Connétable Philip Le Sueur
• Connétable Kevin Lewis
• Connétable Marcus Troy

Deputy Tom Binet, who had brought the vote of no confidence in the outgoing Chief Minister, failed to get the required six signatures and has dropped out of the race. 

The next Chief Minister will be elected on Thursday 25 January but won't take the job until their Council of Ministers is elected the following week.