Health Minister won't stand again 'to make way for younger islanders'

Tuesday 22 March 2022

Heath Minister and St. Ouen Deputy Richard Renouf has confirmed that he is not standing for re-election in June.

The retired lawyer, who was elected to the States Assembly in 2014, said he would be over 70 by the end of the next political term and it was right that younger islanders had the opportunity to serve.

He will not be standing for Constable, either.

“I’ve enjoyed my time in States and I’m pleased to have been able to represent my parish and the island,” he said.

Deputy Renouf will long be remembered as the Minister in charge of health during the pandemic.

He said that before a vaccine arrived, there had been some “frightening times” and he and colleagues had had to make decisions when they could not be totally sure of the outcome.

“Fortunately, the whole island pulled together and reacted well, especially to look after our vulnerable,” he said. “We certainly had some exhausting days during the pandemic, but the adrenaline helped one get through, as well as the incredible stamina and skill of staff who worked tirelessly throughout.”

Deputy Renouf said he still wanted to be involved in public and parish life after June, but he was not yet sure what form that would take.

In the recent Bridging Island Plan debate, Deputy Renouf was successful in convincing the Environment Minister to scale back his proposed extension of the Coastal National Park but he failed to convince Members to rezone two fields into St. Ouen for housing.

Another of Deputy Renouf’s Health-related legacies will be the introduction of the Jersey Care Model, a five-year plan to provide more services in community settings and people’s homes.

In the next election, St. Ouen will form a district with St. Mary and St. Peter to vote in four deputies. It's set to be one of the most hotly contested districts.

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