Parish magazine editor seeks Constable role in St. Mary

Tuesday 17 May 2022

There’ll be a contested election for Constable in St. Mary after the Editor of the parish’s magazine threw his hat in the ring.

As well as taking the lead on St. Mary magazines ‘The Communique’ and ‘St. Mary Matters’ and island-wide publication ‘The Isle’, Mike Fennell is also an “enthusiastic player” and committee member at the parish’s Pétanque Club and has been chair of St. Mary’s Youth and Community Centre since 2018.

Detailing his journalism career background and how he came to Jersey, Mr Fennell commented: "I began my career in newspapers in Lincoln and switched to radio with the BBC on Humberside (in Scunthorpe and Hull), before finally becoming a regional TV journalist, initially in Leeds, before transferring to Plymouth.

"It was there, as Local Government Correspondent, where I had my first taste of covering stories from Jersey including the 1996 States elections

"It was in the Radio Jersey newsroom where I first met the Jersey woman who was to become my wife. We moved to the Island fourteen years ago and both our children went to school in St. Mary.

"I have played an active role in Parish life from the start and in particular have been chair of the St Mary Youth and Community Centre for the last four years and I am currently the editor of the Parish magazine, St. Mary Matters."

On why he had decided to stand for election, he said: "I'm standing because, particularly post-covid, I think the people of St. Mary are ready to return to the sense of community we all used to enjoy - the events, the activities, the gatherings that all contribute to a decent quality of life.

"My ambition is to be the catalyst that brings parishioners together, helping each other to make the most of life in our delightful Parish. At the same time I'm fully aware that the decision to change our constituency boundaries has made the position of the Connétable even more important, as St. Mary has lost its dedicated Deputy.

"I would like to promote some kind of forum where the three Connétables and four Deputies of the new constituency can discuss and advocate policies that are mutually beneficial. However on the important issues I will be guided by parishioners.

"I plan to discuss one to one, and collectively, about the kind of parish in which they want to work, rest and play."

Also standing for the seat is sitting St. Mary Deputy David Johnson.

Jersey's election is taking place on 22 June.