Stroke survivor makes second push for States

Monday 07 January 2019

A stroke survivor and disability campaigner is making a second push to enter the States Assembly, after missing out on a seat in last year’s election.

Former political candidate Anthony Lewis has today announced that he will be running in the by-election for St. Helier 3/4, the district of the late Deputy Richard Rondel, who passed away in November.

Mr Lewis, who has communications disability aphasia, ran for the island-wide position of Senator in May’s general election, but failed to gain one of the eight seats by under 300 votes, polling 10^th with 10,709 votes. 

He said that the support he received during the previous election encouraged him to run this time.

Pictured: Anthony Lewis uses special devices to help him with his communications due to his disability as a result of his stroke.

“Richard Rondel was an excellent parish Deputy, who understood the value of our community, who worked tirelessly to support it. I will put forward my name to continue that work.” 

He added: “Standing for election is a challenge for anyone, especially someone with a disability, but there has been enormous progress.  Work by Beresford St Kitchen, Acorn and Enable Jersey is challenging stereotypes and creating opportunities.

“My candidacy is about more than disability, and I look forward to putting my views and plans about our community life, the environment and development across. The hustings, on the doorstep, and on social media.”

Mr Lewis will be up against at least four other candidates who have declared their interest in running for the seat so far – three of which ran in the previous election. 

Pictured: St. Helier's Procureur Geraint Jennings is hoping to win the seat.

Geraint Jennings, a Champion of Jerriais, Procureur du Bien Public for St. Helier, unsuccessfully stood as a Deputy for St. Helier No 2. 

Throwing his hat into the ring for St. Helier No 3/4, he commented: “I believe that Saint Helier truly needs a new deal: legislation to modernise the Parish administration; a commitment from the States to work in partnership with the municipality and to devolve administrative powers away from ministers and closer to the people; and the vision to ensure high-quality buildings for all residents in harmony with streets for people, a clean and green environment, and a society that cares for the public good – but dares to change for the better.” 

Gordon Troy, who gained 4,695 votes in the Senatorial election, coming 14th out of 17 candidates, also stated his intention to stand.

“As a Jerseyman, I would like to serve my Island and would like to represent the people of the parish I live in and the people of the Island that I am passionate about. I have over 30 years business experience, having owned companies in the following sectors: finance, hospitality, retail, tourism, property and e-commerce,” he said.

Pictured: Former Senatorial candidate Gordon Troy hopes he will be successful running as a Deputy this time.

This afternoon, Inna Gardiner, who was narrowly defeated in 2018 when she ran for the same role, declared that she too would be putting herself up for election.

“I am standing because I believe that I can help make Jersey more inclusive and a place which empowers all residents. I strongly believe our community has the resources to serve Jersey when working together. This community ethos is at the heart of my campaign," Mrs Gardiner said.

She continued: “A successful and flourishing Jersey is dependent upon the collective efforts, financial contributions and good will of the business sector, the government, charities and all permanent residents. ​I firmly believe that, working together, we can make a difference to our community and economy by supporting every individual and enabling them to contribute to their full potential.”

Pictured: Inna Gardiner came fifth out of 10 candidates, narrowly missing out on one of four seats available within the parish district.

Andrea Talibard-Mallet, who is secretary of the Jersey Beach Festival, will also be running. The festival’s Facebook page described her as a “pillar of our local Havre des Pas community.” 

The nomination meeting for candidates will be held at 19:00 on Tuesday 29 January in the St. Helier Town Hall.

Election day will be on Wednesday 27 February.