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The Chief Minister has announced her preferred candidate to fill the role of Infrastructure Minister – and take charge of the new hospital project – after the incumbent resigned as part of a bid to oust her.
Current Assistant Minister and St Helier Deputy Steve Ahier will be put forward for the Infrastructure job by Deputy Kristina Moore.
The appointment process will take place on the 16 January – as long as Deputy Moore survives the vote of no confidencewhich was Deputy Tom Binet’s parting shot as he left the government earlier this week.
Deputy Binet resigned as Infrastructure Minister on Tuesday – accusing the Chief Minister of a "complete lack of integrity" and "woeful lack of leadership skill".
Deputy Binet's resignation after 18 months in his role was the culmination of a fractious relationship with Deputy Moore, who he criticised for presiding over a "depressing" culture.
In an explosive report outlining why he was making an official bid to topple the top politician, Deputy Binet said many “heady promises" had "failed to materialise”.
The Chief Minister hit back, saying her former colleague had been unable to abide with the need for compromise among a diverse range of ministerial views. The Assistant Infrastructure Minister, Deputy Lucy Stephenson, went a step further, claiming that he was "not a team player" and saying that it would be a "relief to some in and around the Council of Ministers "that he has finally gone".
Following Deputy Binet's resignation, the Chief Minister delegated all responsibilities of the Infrastructure Minister to Deputy Ahier before confirming this afternoon that she would propose him as his permanent replacement, should she stay in position after the vote of no confidence.
Other candidates may be nominated at the same time, after which the nominees will address the Assembly prior to a vote being taken.
Pictured: Deputy Tom Binet resigned as Infrastructure Minister on Tuesday and officially lodged a vote of no confidence in the Chief Minister.
In the meantime, Deputy Ahier will undertake the ministerial functions on a day-to-day basis, while Deputy Stephenson will retain her previous responsibilities for the island's sports facilities.
Among the Infrastructure Minister's key responsibilities are acting as project lead for the New Healthcare Facilities Project, as well as looking after public roads and properties, transport-related policy, and the island's sewer and drainage network.
Deputy Steve Ahier was first elected in 2018, and returned as a St Helier Deputy in the 2022 election.
He is also currently Assistant Minister for Treasury and International Development within Kristina Moore's government, as well as a member of the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission.
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