Jersey’s new States slowly takes form

Friday 08 June 2018

Yesterday the States chose the Council of Ministers.

Today they chose the heads of a number of other bodies including the scrutiny panels.

The first post up for grabs this morning was for the chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee – often referred to as the body that’s responsible for the smooth running of the States. In an uncontested election it was given to St Helier Deputy Russell Labey.

The second post – that of the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee – a sort of States financial watchdog – was also uncontested. It went to Senator Sarah Ferguson who yesterday had unsuccessfully put her name forward for Health Minister.

There are five scrutiny panels.

It was a two-way fight for Corporate Services with Senator Kristina Moore beating St Helier Deputy Mike Higgins, 34 – 11. Corporate Services are responsible for ‘keeping an eye’ on the Chief Minister, the External Affairs Minister and the Treasury Minister.

There was also a two-way battle for the post of Economic Affairs, with members choosing newbie St Lawrence Deputy Kirsten Morel over St Mary Deputy David Johnson, 29 – 16.

The next three posts were uncontested, with ex-teacher and Reform member St Helier Deputy Rob Ward being elected chairman of Education and Home Affairs, St Brelade Constable Mike Jackson chairman of Housing and Infrastructure, and  newcomer, former police officer, St Helier Deputy Mary Le Hegarat.

There was a second job for Deputy Russell Labey towards the end of the day, the chairman of the Planning Committee. And the Deputy of Grouville, Carolyn Labey was chosen to head up the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission - something she was already doing.