Ozouf seeks return to politics after four years away

Tuesday 17 May 2022

Former Senator and Treasury Minister Philip Ozouf is seeking to return to the world of politics after four years away with the aim of bringing “experience and insight” to the States Assembly.

Son of a former St. Saviour Constable, Mr Ozouf is seeking to take one of five Deputy seats in his home parish of St. Saviour and is running as an independent candidate.

He first elected to the States as Deputy of St. Helier No. 3 in December 1999, and then as Senator in 2002, 2008 and 2014, but decided to step down in 2018.

He held the position of Economic Development Minister from 2005 to 2008
 and was Treasury Minister from 2008 to 2014.

He was then appointed Assistant Chief Minister responsible for digital, financial services, innovation and competition, a position he held until 2017.

After four years outside of the States Assembly during which time he worked on his family property business, set up a laundry business, Mr Ozouf says he is now seeking to return, having become “increasingly concerned and frustrated with a chronic lack of decision-making, overspending and a failure to deliver for the people of St Saviour and the island.”

Stating that “the Parish and island urgently need more accountable, competent, can-do representatives who will deliver on the issues that matter”, he said: “I want to bring my experience back to the States Assembly.”

“In my long political career, I recognised that tough decisions have to be made and followed through. I have a record of getting things done, having broadened our tax base, secured financial stability and delivered full fibre to every home in Jersey something which I am very proud,” he said.

On his priorities if elected, Mr Ozouf said he wanted to “work with others to address the cost of living crisis, deliver more housing that people can afford to live in and stop the delays of endless expensive designs on a hilltop hospital that looks folly. Islanders urgently need facilities with a costed plan for the delivery of the services inside too.”

He added: “I want to be a strong voice for St. Saviour and bring back experience and insight to help address some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the island.”

Jersey's election is taking place on 22 June.