New roles in Le Fondré’s Council of Ministers

Wednesday 04 July 2018

One month after being voted in, the new Chief Minister has finalised his Council of Ministers, with the creation of two new roles: a Minister for Housing and Children, and Minister for International Development.

Senator John Le Fondré yesterday signed orders to appoint Senator Sam Mézec, Chairman of Reform Jersey, as the political lead for safeguarding island children’s wellbeing in addition to his current role as Housing Minister.

Meanwhile, Grouville Deputy Carolyn Labey will steer the island’s international development and overseas aid efforts.

Senator Le Fondré first announced his intentions to create the new roles in his Chief Ministerial nomination speech last month.

The Minister for Children and Housing role came as part of a deal struck with Reform Jersey to secure the party’s support in electing him as Chief Minister. That agreement saw his fellow party members, Deputies Montfort Tadier and Geoff Southern, appointed as Assistant Ministers for Culture and Social Security respectively.

Speaking at the time, Senator Le Fondré explained that the children-oriented role sought to place greater focus on young people’s needs following the findings of the damning Care Inquiry, which was published one year ago yesterday. 

“Providing the best quality of care, protection and support to all children and young people in our community is our priority and I am certain that Senator Mézec, as Minister for Children and Housing, will ensure the well-being of children is at the heart of this new role,” Senator Le Fondré commented.

Senator Mézec said that he was “delighted and proud” with his appointment, adding: “It is a significant role and so important for Jersey’s children and young people to have a voice in the Council of Ministers. I will be that voice in government and work to deliver the best outcomes for children and young people to ensure that they are not being failed, while at the same time remain committed to ensuring Islanders’ housing needs remain high on the Council of Ministers’ agenda.”

Creating a Minister for International Development brings Jersey in line with the many other EU and OECD countries that already have designated roles for guiding their nation’s philanthropic efforts. The position is also expected to help further the island’s trade, cultural and diplomatic agenda.

Pictured: Senator Le Fondré announced that he intended to create both new roles in his Chief Ministerial nomination speech. He signed orders to make them official yesterday.

Praising Deputy Labey’s “exceptional achievements” as Chair of the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission, the Chief Minister said that he was “certain that as Minister for International Development she will continue with that success, both for the communities where we engage and for the Island. In addition, I look forward to her contribution to the government as part of the Council of Ministers.” 

Thanking the Chief Minister, the Grouville Deputy added: “Since 1968 Jersey has been providing lifesaving humanitarian and development assistance to the world’s poorest people. This step recognises the importance of this work, not only to its many beneficiaries but to our generous and outward-looking Island, and sends a clear signal about Jersey’s global capabilities and intentions. I am delighted that the Chief Minister intends to appoint me to this role.”