Town Constable becomes CM's right-hand man after resignation reshuffle

Monday 27 November 2023

The Constable of St Helier has taken a top government role – and Philip Ozouf has joined Health – following a Ministerial reshuffle prompted by the shock resignation of the Assistant Chief Minister.

Constable Andy Jehan announced his resignation in a letter to the Chief Minister shared to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday morning.

In his parting words, Deputy Kristina Moore's long-term ally took aim at the Health Minister, saying there was a lack of "coherent strategy" in her department, and that he was concerned about the cost and running of the controversial Health Advisory Board. He said he had "severe concerns" about the “indefensible misuse of taxpayers money”.

In leaving his government role, the Constable also steps down as Vice Chair of the States Employment Board – a role that has seen him lead negotiations with teachers over the ongoing pay row.

Pictured: Constable Jehan stepped down from his role over the weekend, firing a broadside at Health Minister Karen Wilson in his resignation letter.

Simon Crowcroft, Constable of St Helier, will now take Constable Jehan's place as Assistant Chief Minister, while Social Security Minister Elaine Millar has been proposed as Vice-chair of the States Employment Board, subject to confirmation by the board. Deputy Malcolm Ferey will also join the SEB.

Meanwhile, External Relations Minister Deputy Philip Ozouf will be joining Health alongside Karen Wilson, adding the role of Assistant Minister to his portfolio.

It comes as several backbench politicians are demanding answers on the running of the Health Advisory Board in the wake of Constable Jehan's departure.

CLICK TO READ: PAC's letter to the Government's CEO about the running of the Health Advisory Board, which Constable Jehan labelled a cause for concern.

Some sources have suggested that Kristina Moore may now find herself under pressure to consider Deputy Wilson's position as Health Minister – or may otherwise face a vote of no confidence herself.

Chief Minister Kristina Moore, who signed off on the appointments in a Ministerial Decision today, said that Mr Crowcroft would "ensure that sustainable regeneration, particularly in St Helier – home to one-third of Jersey's population – continues to be a priority area of focus".

On Deputy Ozouf's new role, she added: "We are boosting the Ministerial team in Health to support our work to deliver the necessary service improvements and greater efficiency, as well as to explore opportunities for joint working with Guernsey."

The islands have previously looked to collaborate on health-related matters, with a joint radiotherapy service previously on the agenda, as islanders currently have to travel to Southampton. Clinical Director of the now-scrapped Our Hospital project Professor Ashok Handa previously said that a joint facility could be offered as part of a new hospital.

While that work did not progress, Jersey and Guernsey recently teamed up to tackle Public Health issues and in April Guernsey's Chief Minister commented that the idea of the Channel Islands sharing services "makes great sense" and that he was open to exploring this further. 

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