Deputy behind bus pass scheme to stand again

Friday 22 April 2022

The former teacher who was behind proposals for Jersey to declare a climate emergency and introduce a bus pass for students has confirmed he is standing for re-election.

Reform Jersey’s Rob Ward is hoping to take one of five seats in the St. Helier Central district, which covers much of the Springfield and Rouge Bouillon area.

A former teaching and National Union of Teachers branch President, Deputy Ward went on to lead the panel responsible for scrutinising Education following his election in May 2018, and served on several others.

“I have proudly represented St. Helier as a Deputy since May 2018 and believe I have gained a reputation as a committed and hard-working States Member. I have been a vocal contributor in States debates and have tabled more questions than any other member,” Deputy Ward said.

“As well as chairing a Scrutiny Panel and serving as a member of many others, I have held regular constituency surgeries and taken on casework to support people across the island.”

As a States Member, Deputy Ward also successfully brought forward propositions to deliver a new youth centre in the North of Town, introduce a bus pass scheme for students and declare a climate emergency.

More recently, he succeeded in amending the Island Plan to safeguard the former Gas Works site for a new primary school.

“I have fought for much more, including free school meals, increases in the Minimum Wage and removing duty from biofuels which the wider Assembly failed to support. I believe that with more Reform Jersey candidates elected, we can deliver more for the people of Jersey,” he added.

The Deputy said he was standing for re-election to “complete the task of providing schools and youth facilities for the St.Helier Central constituency” and continue to “drive forward a progressive Education agenda, ending the constant cycle of paid consultants and instead acting to improve opportunity”. 

Reform Jersey has now declared four candidates standing in the five-Deputy St. Helier Central area.

Joining current States Members Deputy Ward, Carina Alves and Geoff Southern on the campaign trail will be newcomer and entrepreneur Catherine Curtis.

 Jersey's election is taking place on 22 June.