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Deputy Kristina Moore is in pole-position to be the next Chief Minister after already receiving the backing of almost two-thirds of States Members.
The poll-topping representative of St. Ouen, St. Peter and St. Mary – who also received more votes than any other candidate across the island – has secured 30 nomination signatures of newly sworn-in States Members.
The only other declared candidate, Reform Party leader Deputy Sam Mézec, has nine nomination signatures – comprising the rest of his parliamentary party.
Jersey Liberal Conservative Party leader Sir Philip Bailhache failed to get enough nominations to stand.
As the nomination deadline passed at 17:00, both candidates published statements setting out their visions, should they be elected.
There are some common aims, including establishing a public service ombudsperson and providing free school meals.
Deputy Moore, who ran under the banner of the 'Better Way' movement, sent out a ‘vision statement’, together with a ‘first 100-days’ plan, should she be elected Chief Minister.
These include:
addressing the cost-of-living crisis by proposing a ‘mini budget’ that brings forward a suite of measures to deliver targeted support to islanders ahead of winter;
raising the minimum wage to £10 an hour;
introducing an appeals process for firms facing repayment requests under the co-funded payroll scheme;
creating a ‘Cabinet Office’ to “coordinate the work of government and strengthen collective decision making”;
introducing limits on the number of houses that can be built over 3,000 sq ft for a period of time in order to focus on tackling the housing crisis;
appointing an assistant minister, who will conduct an evidence-based review on the Our Hospital project, to report back to the Assembly no later than 20 October;
introducing legislation and funding to ensure that school children have access to one meal a day in school;
bringing forward propositions to create prefabricated homes to help address the island housing crisis;
putting in place a plan to open a Cultural Centre, celebrating our cultural identities and bringing islanders together;
establishing a public service ombudsperson.
Deputy Moore said: “Within the first 100 days, the next Council of Ministers must agree a Government Programme which will take the place of the Common Strategic Priorities.
“This will set out the key priorities of the government and what we aim to do and how we will reach them.
“Moreover, each Minister will be asked to publish their plan for the coming year, setting out which policies and legislation they will seek to prioritise.”
Pictured: Deputy Moore shortly after being sworn in this morning with her Better Way colleagues, David Warr (St. Helier South), Lucy Stephenson (St. Mary, St. Peter and St. Ouen) and Alex Curtis (St. Clement).
She continued: “I believe in the huge potential of Jersey, our better days are ahead of us, but we must take on some of the big challenges facing our island.
“I want to lead a government that is open, transparent, inclusive, accountable and most importantly, will get things done. In four years’ time, I want States Members and voters to be able to recognise that the States has made a real difference in improving people's lives and setting us on a path of renewal and growth.”
Deputy Mezec has been clear that, if elected Chief Minister, he and his Council will implement the pledges set out in the Reform Party manifesto.
These include:
declaring a ‘housing crisis’ in the first week of office and require officers to implement the party’s Housing Crisis Action Plan as a matter of urgency;
expanding the Health Access Scheme so Islanders with long-term illnesses can access cheaper GP appointments. He and the party will work towards abolishing the fee entirely for all islanders;
removing GST from food and essential items by 2023;
ensuring that all States primary schools provide a hot and nutritious meal daily for all their students by September 2023;
reforming the tax system to ensure taxes are “progressive and fair”. This includes raising the top rates for the highest earners, reducing it for middle earners, and protecting the lowest earners;
renegotiating the contract for Jersey’s bus service “to provide more accessible, affordable and environmentally friendly public transport”;
establishing a programme to support households to transition to low carbon heating systems;
setting up a public services ombudsman to enable Islanders to seek real redress when failed by a government service.
Deputy Mézec said: “I will seek to run a cohesive government which is effective and decisive.
“This government will be inclusive of the talent there is across the Assembly and will reflect the diversity of the community we represent. But crucially, it will be driven by values of social and economic justice.
“I believe that it is through our shared endeavour that we can create an environment in which everyone can achieve their potential, irrespective of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or social background.
“I believe in speaking up for the vulnerable and encouraging those with aspiration. I wish to see Jersey prosper in a manner that will improve the wellbeing of all current and future citizens. I hope to work with members who share these values and will work hard to put them into practice in government.”
Pictured: Deputy Mézec with this Reform Jersey colleagues shortly after being sworn in.
The Chief Minister will be elected at the first official States Meeting, next Tuesday.
After the nominations are read out, each candidate will make a statement of up to ten minutes and face up to one hour of questioning from States Members.
The Assembly will then vote the candidate they wish to become Chief Minister.
The successful candidate will become Chief Minister designate until the Council of Ministers is elected at the next States Meeting, starting Monday 11 July.
30 signatures – 61% of all States Members
Nine signatures – 18% of all States Members.
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