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Three States Members this morning battled it out to take the island's top political job... You can catch up on how the vote unfolded, blow by blow, here...
In the runnings were former Deputy Chief Minister under John Le Fondré, Lyndon Farnham; current Treasury Minister and former Chief Ian Gorst; and Reform Jersey leader Sam Mézec.
Below you can catch up on drama that led to the vote for a new leader and each of the candidates' visions below, see all the key updates from our live blog and rewatch the proceedings live...
How did we get here? Read our round-up of some of the key moments of the vote of no confidence debate or the 'blow-by-blow' coverage here.
More information about the candidates, their key backers and their 'visions' for Jersey can be found here.
How does the process to elect a new Chief Minister work? Express breaks down all the details you need to know here.
Deputy Lyndon Farnham is announced as Chief Minister-designate, with a total of 27 votes to Deputy Gorst's 22 votes.
???? BREAKING:
— Bailiwick Express (@bailiwickxpress) January 25, 2024
Deputy @lyndonfarnham has been appointed as Jersey's next Chief Minister????️
Read more ????https://t.co/xBklm2CGLz
After receiving the lowest number of votes, Deputy Sam Mézec is out of the running for Chief Minister.
He received 10 votes – from the 10 members of his party, Reform Jersey.
Politicians will now vote again between Deputies Gorst and Farnham.
This is set to be a quicker vote as Members can use the electronic voting system rather than the paper ballot.
The Greffier and Deputy Greffier retired to count the votes.
The Bailiff joked that there is now a moment for "light entertainment and community singing".
With one second left on Deputy Mézec's timer, his questions came to an end and Deputies Gorst and Farnham returned for the vote.
Deputy Monty Tadier asked if the legal expertise on island should be used by Government in a more "open and transparent way".
Deputy Mézec said there would "great benefit" in going to Jersey's lawyers who have "particular expertise" in areas of Government policy.
He added that he would also push for the "establishment of an independent prosecution service".
Deputy Mézec was asked if he believes in the principal of "tax and spend".
"I'd love to know another way to run a government!" he replied.
The Reform leader reiterated his pledge to implement a Living Wage by 2025.
Deputy Mézec said he was "thoroughly unimpressed" with the Government report which concluded that setting the Living Wage into law would not be “feasible or desirable”.
"I think we ought to stick to [the 2025] target," he added.
Deputy Moz Scott asked about the "potential inflationary impact" of the Living Wage on businesses, but Deputy Mézec said that expert studies had not reported that the Living Wage would not have such inflationary impact.
Deputy Mézec explained that relationships with the farming and fishing industry have developed in recent months.
He outlined concerns about the lack of new workers in the industry as many people reach retirement age.
He also highlighted potential for the farming, fishing, hospitality and tourism industry to work together.
Responding to a question about whether he would serve on Deputy Farnham's Council of Ministers and if this would require a written coalition agreement, Deputy Mézec said that he would have to give it thought.
He said that a written coalition agreement would not be required now, but should become the norm going forward.
When asked if he would adjust his opinionated "tweeting" or social media policies, Deputy Mézec said: "I believe in freedom of speech and political opinion."
However, he reiterated that this would not impact his working relationships with those he may be critical of.
When Deputy Mézec was asked about how he would resolve the teachers' pay dispute, he said he would revoke the "authoritarian" and disrespectful" letter that was was sent out recently.
He added that he hopes to "press that reset button" on relationships with teachers.
Constable Simon Crowcroft asked about Deputy Mézec's plans for collaboration with Guernsey.
Deputy Mézec said the Channel Islands need a "more formal agreement in place" for collaboration, rather than the current "ad hoc agreements".
He pointed to potential for "collaboration across specialist services" such as Health, where it may be cost effective to employ specialists to serve both islands.
"I desperately like to see closer collaboration with Alderney and Sark," he added.
Deputy Monty Tadier praised Deputy Mézec for his 10 years in his politics and how he had engaged the public during that time as he asked if he still believed in a "politics of hope".
Deputy Mézec said he wanted to move away from "unpleasant personality politics" and hoped to restore islanders' faith in politics.
Deputy Mézec said there are "far too many occasions" of properties being rented out at "rental stress levels".
He pointed to the Horizon development which he said has no one-bed flats that meet the minimum requirements for a couple, but are being rented out at levels that one person could not afford – "that ends immediately," he said.
Deputy Mézec also said that "there must be much tougher rules about what fees can be charged to tenants".
Responding to questions about supply resilience, Deputy Mézec said that "having some form of resilience strategy in place is something we need to give serious consideration to".
He pledged to work to work with experts in supermarkets and freight companies to "have something in place as soon as possible".
Deputy Mézec added: "It wouldn't actually take that long for things to get very bad here if we couldn't import fuel and food."
He also said he would continue to build a friendship with France to provide security if other relationships fell through.
Like the other candidates, Deputy Mézec was asked about the living wage.
"We already have a target for the living wage to be two-thirds of median earnings, so I suggest we crack on with that," he responded.
Former Housing Minister Deputy David Warr asked if Deputy Mézec felt that the Reform Jersey manifesto pledges for rent control measures were "red lines".
"I believe in respecting your manifesto commitments," replied Deputy Mézec.
Responding to Deputy Warr's follow up question, the Reform Jersey leader explained that rent control measures are "red lines because the housing crisis is so dire".
Deputy Mézec explainined that someone not accepting rent control measures would not be Housing Minister if he was Chief Minister, but would be welcome in the Council of Ministers in a different role.
He accepted that his Government would be a coalition Government and would therefore be open to the individual views of Ministers.
"I would not wield a whip against Ministers to make them vote against things that they felt so strongly against," he added.
For the third time, Deputy Catherine Curtis asked about plans to reverse cuts to essential service funding.
Deputy Mézec replied: "There should be no cuts to essential services – the clue is in the name: they're essential."
Amid “growing inequality”, “record levels of food back use” and people leaving the island, Deputy Sam Mézec described it as the “moment to reset and get Jersey back on track”.
Addressing those who want stability, he said: “It does not matter how steady your hand is on the tiller if you are steering the ship towards an iceberg.”
Deputy Mézec: "I have the vision, skills and plan to steer Jersey away from the terminal decline that the island has seen under successive conservative Governments."
He described his vision for “social and economic justice” and outlined his three key priorities: the housing crisis, the climate crisis, and restoring faith in Government.
To tackle the housing crisis, Deputy Mézec promised to officially declare a housing crisis and put together an emergency taskforce to drive forward the implementation of Reform's housing action plan.
Turning to the climate crisis, the Reform leader promised a “just transition with common sense proposals” and outlined plans to present Jersey as a “green finance sector”.
He said that the island has the “talent and expertise to play a positive role in the world" whilst also "raising funds for our own transition".
Regarding his final priority of "restoring faith and confidence in our Government system", Deputy Mézec said that there is “too much power in the hands of too few people".
He criticised the formation of the Cabinet Office, and pledged to “repeal the laws that have concentrated powers in the hands of the unaccountable”.
Time is up for Deputy Farnham and he is asked to leave the Assembly. Deputy Sam Mézec is brought back in to speak.
Before he starts, Members vote to continue sitting until a new Chief Minister is appointed – even if it means eating into their lunch break!
Deputy Helen Miles asked about Deputy Farnham's leadership ability.
"I can't remember falling out with anyone," replied Deputy Farnham. "I think people will know my style of leadership."
He added: "We need to remember what we're working for and put the people of Jersey before our own passionate feelings at times."
Deputy Catherine Curtis asked the same question she put to Deputy Gorst about whether he would reverse cuts to essential service funding.
Deputy Farnham replied that "the short answer is yes" – but said that would involve "looking very closely to make sure we're getting value for money from higher levels... and drive out any savings and put that to the front line".
"I was not in favour, and remain concerned about the cuts to frontline policing," he added.
Once again, former Vice-Chair of the States Employment Board, Constable Andy Jehan asked about the teachers' pay dispute.
"I believe that both sides want to settle this," replied Deputy Farnham. "We must be close."
However, he added: "I think we need to show a little bit more respect to our teachers."
"I'm not sure sending them a letter with an ultimatum was a good idea... I'm not sure that was helpful."
Pledging to find a "common ground", Deputy Farnham said: "There's a solution somewhere."
Deputy Farnham said that he would review tourism to ensure they're getting adequate funding – similar to agriculture, and arts and culture.
When asked about the re-establishment of "customer-facing tourism office in a central location", Deputy Farnham said that it would "have to be dependent on additional financial support for Visit Jersey" as it is "not priority for them with their limited financial budget" right now.
"If we're prepared to pay for it then I think it would be useful," he said.
Deputy Kirsten Morel asked about the island's links with Frances, which prompted Deputy Farnham to reveal that he "love[s] spending a few hours in Carrefour supermarket in France".
Deputy Farnham admitted that there have been “ups and downs” in the relationship so far – highlighting the fishing crisis and Brexit as key long points – but said that Deputy Morel can "rely on [his] support to continue building links with France".
Deputy Farnham admitted that he does not think Fort Regent is the place for a casino, but said that it does provide other opportunities to "partner up with the private sector".
He suggested that land swaps, residential developments, hotels, and leisure facilities could all generate "significant amounts of income – although maybe not as much as a casino!"
Responding to Deputy Malcolm Ferey's question about introducing the living wage, Deputy Farnham said that he is realistic about its implementation, and is aware that it will put financial pressures on small business who cannot afford it.
He added that some financial support must be given to small businesses "to get them there".
When asked about Fort Regent, Deputy Farnham admitted that he is “ashamed we’ve allowed this wonderful asset to deteriorate”.
He said that the previous plans were good, adding that he hopes to put together a group of States Members to oversee their implementation.
Deputy Hilary Jeune asked Deputy Farnham if he has read the Violence Against Women and Girls report.
He admitted that he has not read the full report, but has a "well-thumbed copy of the executive summary”.
Deputy Farnham pledged to "examine the lack of legislation that is highlighted in the report".
He added that he cannot promise to accept all 77 recommendations as he does not have them in front of them – but hopes to be able to accept the "vast majority" with the view of "significantly reducing, with the aim of eliminating, violence against women and girls".
Deputy David Warr questioned Deputy Farnham about his plans to appoint Reform Jersey members to Ministerial roles should he become Chief Minister.
Deputy Farnham described it as “healthy politics” that there are some things he disagrees with Reform Jersey about – but does not view this as a reason as to why they shouldn't hold Ministerial roles.
He pointed to "very positive" experiences of working with Reform members over the last two years.
"I hope I have a reputation for compromise," added Deputy Farnham.
Deputy Inna Gardiner asked a similar question about differences of opinion over a public ombudsman.
Deputy Farnham said that he is "leaning to support a public ombudsman", but said that he is "not insistent" and would open that the topic up to debate.
“We can agree to disagree and still work together," added Deputy Farnham.
Touching on the issue of housing, Deputy Farnham said that there is "no place for draconian measures" in rental contracts which exploit people.
“I would commit to changing that situation for the better," he added.
When asked by Constable Kevin Lewis about the "unacceptable" use of food banks, Deputy Farnham agreed that the widespread use of food banks is unacceptable – but described it as "necessary" at the moment.
“We need to better understand of why [food banks] are there, and how we can better support them and perhaps alleviate them," added Deputy Farnham.
Like Deputy Gorst, Deputy Farnham said he would “repurpose spending” of arms length organisations to provide better "value for money".
He described “very positive” experiences with such organisations – but said that there “could perhaps be better interactions with arms length organisation and States-owned entities".
“We must continue to support them but look where we can drive out better value," added Deputy Farnham.
“This is an election about change," said Deputy Farnham as he opened his speech.
"The Assembly voted for change, and a change must be delivered – not just a Cabinet reshuffle."
Deputy Farnham said that being Deputy Chief Minister during the pandemic shows that he can work under "intense and prolonged pressure" and make difficult decisions.
"I bring experience from all corners of the Assembly," he added, as he pointed to his experience as a scrutineer as well as work with backbenchers which he said gave him a new perspective.
Deputy Farnham also said that “communications within the assembly and across the island will be improved”, and promised to ensure Government is informed of important decisions and information before anyone else.
Turning to the housing crisis, he said that it is "not right" that some islanders cannot even dream of buying a home in Jersey and are therefore leaving the island.
He suggested possible solutions could include the re-introduction of States loan schemes and shared equity schemes.
Deputy Farnham also said that healthcare needs to be "returned to the higher standards we used to see".
He concluded his speech by promising a "more unified" Council of Ministers, and a Government that is "transparent, accountable and responsible for the needs of our community".
Time is up for Deputy Gorst and he is asked to leave the Assembly.
Deputy Lyndon Farnham is brought back in and gets ready to speak.
As the topic of Charlie Parker's appointment is raised, Deputy Gorst described hindsight as a “very painful journey”.
Deputy Gorst said that Charlie Parker was a “strong willed individual” who needed a “strong willed” Government – which he said was not the case at the time.
Addressing comments in his opening speech about preventing Jersey from becoming a "mini NHS", Deputy Gorst said that the island used to have "first class consultant" coming over "because it was not the NHS".
Referring to a meeting he had about the new hospital project with consultants, Deputy Gorst said that he was “so inspired by what they had to contribute and what they wanted to contribute”.
“We are not going to be the NHS," he reiterated.
Deputy Gorst said that the teachers' salary budget had been exhausted, but promised to sit down with teachers and look to the growth budget to see if it can be re-allocated.
"We want teachers to be in the classroom teaching our children," he said.
Deputy Gorst added that he believes a three-year pay deal is the "best approach".
Discussing pay for arms length organisations, Deputy Gorst outlined the "frustrating” pay of senior executives pay within these “largely monopolistic” arms length organisations.
He also pointed to the importance of "zero-based budgeting" to control and provide value for money.
Deputy Gorst suggested that it is time that 'Living Wage' calculations are taken away from local charity Caritas Jersey, and instead brought into Government to calculate a "proper" figure.
“We must be committed to seeing a good day’s wage for a good day’s work," he said – but added that there are jobs that the island cannot afford to lose.
Answering a question about the £30m savings promised by Deputy Kristina Moore ahead of the vote of no confidence, Deputy Gorst revealed that this was not money from projects being 'cut' – but rather money being put into reserves instead of just being rolled over to the next year's budget.
Deputy Catherine Curtis highlighted police budget cuts of £47,000 in her question as she asked Deputy Gorst about plans to cut essential service funding.
In response, Deputy Gorst pointed to the Government's billion pound budget which he said should be enough to cover essential services.
He said that islanders are most frustrated by the Government's perceived lack of inaction.
“We have to promise delivery on the big issues of the day," said Deputy Gorst, but added: "We must live within our means.”
Answering two questions in a row about how he would ensure a harmonious Council of Ministers, Deputy Gorst said: “I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again.”
He pointed to the successful introduction of island-wide fibre broadband and Andium homes.
Deputy Gorst also highlighted a previous time when he "could not work with a Minister" – but said that after conversations and mediation, that individual remained a Minister.
An alarm on Deputy Gorst's phone goes off for a second time and he apologises, joking that he now owes that Bailiff's office £20.
Answering a question about tackling the housing crisis, Deputy Gorst said that "progress has been made, but more needs to be done”.
He outlined plans for stamp duty reductions and lower planning fees, as well as working more closely with Andium.
"There are a number of very capable, interested and experienced islanders I would want to bring into Government to help tackle the housing crisis," he added.
There will now be up to one hour of questions for Deputy Ian Gorst to answer.
Deputy Ian Gorst said that last week's vote of no confidence highlighted a "clear message that the island wants change”.
“I will deliver that change," he said, as he promised a new Council of Ministers with “new faces, new thinking, new ideas and a fresh approach".
Deputy Gorst added: “I do not take the view that absolutely everything was wrong with the last Government."
He also promised to improve the link between Government and non-executive politicians.
Addressing concerns about increasing Government regulation, Deputy Gorst said he believes in “enhancing freedom and choice wherever possible”.
“Government needs to be an enabler and not a blocker," he said.
He claimed that Jersey's Government had become “overly bureaucratic”, resulting in increasing costs for businesses and islanders.
To tackle this, Deputy Gorst promised to “remove bureaucratic barriers to business and development” and to “do more” to help islanders though the cost of living crisis.
Describing “unfair” commentary about his leadership style, Deputy Gorst said: “I believe in focussing on issues [and] getting the job done.”
Turning to the new hospital, Deputy Gorst said that the healthcare system itself is also important.
He also promised to "decentralise" health management, providing more accountability as well as investing in frontline public spending.
Deputy Gorst added that he did not want to see Jersey become a "mini NHS".
The order that those standing for Chief Minister will speak is drawn from a hat.
Deputy Ian Gorst will speak first, followed by Deputy Lyndon Farnham, and then Deputy Sam Mézec.
The Bailiff begins proceedings by addressing the timescale for applications for Chief Minister, after Deputy Tom Binet missed the deadline to stand for the top political job by mere minutes last week.
Sir Timothy Le Cocq explained that this was the first time law has been use in the 19 years since it was drafted, following the island's first successful vote of no confidence.
The Bailiff admitted that the "timescale was "quite tight" but said that it had been "appropriately applied" last week.
He suggested that it is something that should now be reviewed by the Privileges and Procedures Committee.
Just one hour to go before all the action begins at 09:30...
The end of 'purdah' may be a relief for some local students, who, in a bizarre post-vote of no confidence twist, were told their student loan applications couldn't be processed... Express covered the story here.
Yesterday Nicki from the Student Loan Support Group Jersey @JsySLSgroup highlighted this incorrect behaviour by Student Finance to the Greffier if the States. Of course the statement that 1/ pic.twitter.com/jg2y9SdIFd
— Deputy Catherine Curtis (@DeputyCCurtis) January 24, 2024
What does the ousted Chief Minister do while waiting to be replaced? How much grilling will candidates face before the vote? Can States Members vote from holiday in the Caribbean? ????️
— Bailiwick Express (@bailiwickxpress) January 25, 2024
Ahead of today's big vote, Express explains ????https://t.co/Ub7hPw5URh
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