The President of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce has announced his resignation, saying concerns over a political donation he made in a personal capacity have led to a “loss of confidence” in his leadership among parts of the business community.
In a statement issued on LinkedIn, Lee Madden said the decision followed growing scrutiny of a donation made around 18 months ago – prior to being appointed the President of Chamber – which he said had recently become the subject of public discussion despite having previously been declared.
Express understands that the donation was towards political movement Value Jersey, which has been advocating easing of planning restrictions to pave the way for a new low-cost supermarket such as Aldi or Lidl since officially launching in October 2025.
Mr Madden did not state the name of the recipient, nor did he reveal the sum in his post.
“It has had no bearing on my actions, decisions, or voice as President”
“Over recent days, a great deal of attention has been given to a personal donation I made around 18 months ago and the questions that have followed from it,” he wrote on social media.
He stressed that the donation had been made in a private capacity and had been formally declared.
“I have been clear throughout that it has had no bearing on my actions, decisions, or voice as President of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce,” he said.
“I have not used my role to advocate for any political movement, nor have I promoted any specific retail outcome or market entrant.”
“The timing of that declaration has raised concerns”
The outgoing President said, however, that leadership depended not only on conduct but on confidence.
“I recognise that the timing of that declaration has raised concerns and that, particularly within the retail sector, it has led to a loss of confidence in my position as President.”
While maintaining that his conduct had not been compromised, he said confidence across all sectors of the business community was essential if the Chamber was to operate effectively.
“If my continuing in the role risks becoming a distraction from the Chamber’s wider purpose and the important work it has to do on behalf of Jersey’s business community, then it is right that I step aside.”
“Integrity intact”
“This has not been an easy decision, but it is one I have taken after careful reflection and with the best interests of the Chamber in mind,” he added.
“It has been a real privilege to serve as President and to work alongside so many committed colleagues, members, and partners who care deeply about Jersey’s future.”
He concluded by saying he was stepping down with his “integrity intact” and remained confident in the Chamber’s future.
Mr Madden, who had been Chamber’s Co-Vice President with Daphne East, is the CEO of GR8 Recruitment.
He was appointed to the leading role in May 2025, and was due to serve in it for three years.
The Chamber of Commerce said in a statement that the matter of Mr Madden’s donation had been considered “through Chamber’s established governance processes, with Mr Madden recusing himself from all discussions and decisions relating to the issue”.
Chamber said that its Executive Council “decided that it was appropriate to consider both the actual and perceived implications for the organisation, its reputation and the confidence of its members”, and that, “following those considerations, and recognising the importance of maintaining confidence across all sectors of the membership, Mr Madden tendered his resignation as President”.
They praised Mr Madden for his having “served the organisation with considerable commitment, energy and enthusiasm, championing the interests of Jersey’s business community and helping to guide the Chamber through a period of growth and development”.
“The Chamber thanks Mr Madden for his service and contribution during his tenure and wishes him well for the future.”
The statement added that Chamber “remains an independent and apolitical organisation representing businesses of all sizes and sectors across the Island”.
“Chamber’s policies, advocacy positions and public statements are determined through its established governance processes and are independent of any political party, movement or individual office holder,” it read.
Mounting transparency concerns
The resignation comes amid heightened political debate in the run-up to this weekend’s election and follows growing scrutiny of donations, political campaigning and transparency.
In a statement issued last Monday, Value Jersey said: “As of today, we have accepted a total of 58 donations since we launched”, ranging from £1 to £10,000, with “the vast majority” below £500.
The political movement did not state how many donations were received before its public launch or after the weekend fundraising email.
It added that all donations had come from individuals “living or operating in Jersey”, except for one UK-based donor whose business operates on the Island.
Addressing criticism around donor anonymity, the movement added: “Some of these donors have chosen to share publicly that they have donated, while others have wanted to do so anonymously.
“We respect that, and would be liable under [the Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner] if we named them without their permission.”
Which candidates have endorsed Value Jersey?
The eight candidates for Deputy to have publicly endorsed Value Jersey are: Samantha Gleave and Judy Martin (St Helier South), Cameron Monro (St Helier Central), Robert Parker (St Saviour), Gabriel Raimondo (St Brelade), Phil Romeril (St Lawrence, St John, Trinity) and Gerald Voisin (St Helier North). Serena Kersten, one of the 17 candidates for Senator, has also endorsed the movement’s policies.
Claire de Than, who is standing in St Helier Central, has stated that she does not endorse Value Jersey, but that she is supporting the political movement’s priorities.
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