Fallen Chief Minister indicates preferred replacement

Wednesday 17 January 2024

Former Chief Minister Ian Gorst could return to the role as Kristina Moore announces him as her preferred candidate to take over the island's top political job.

Deputy Moore yesterday became Jersey's first Chief Minister to be ousted from the role following an intense debate that stretched well into the evening.

Politicians voted 27 votes in favour of the motion of no confidence brought by former Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet, while 22 voted against. There were no abstentions.

Deputy Moore is the third Chief Minister in the island's history to have faced a no-confidence motion – alongside predecessors John Le Fondré in 2020, Ian Gorst in 2017 and Terry Le Sueur in 2010 – but is the first to fall victim to one.

Pictured: Kristina Moore following the vote of no confidence last night, during which she was ousted as Chief Minister.

This morning, Deputy Moore confirmed that she would be backing current Treasury Minister Ian Gorst – who served as Jersey's Chief Minister from 2011 to 2018 – to return to the top job.

“I admire Ian Gorst hugely – he has a proven track record and I believe he can navigate these challenging times and bring people together,” said Deputy Moore.

“It’s really important that we focus on meeting the needs of Islanders. It’s a really challenging time and I believe we were making good progress on cost-of-living issues, but now we need some stability, someone who can convene a fractured Assembly.”

It is understood that Deputy Gorst has indicated a willingness to step forward as a candidate for the role.

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