Hours left to enter the race for Chief Minister

After days of political machinations, manoeuvring and talks over potential alliances following the election, the battle for Jersey’s top political job is entering its decisive phase today.

Any States Member hoping to become the Island’s next Chief Minister has until 5pm this evening to formally enter the race.

Behind the scenes, elected Members have spent the days since the election holding discussions about leadership, ministerial roles and what Jersey’s next government could look like.

Senator-elect Lyndon Farnham has already confirmed that he intends to seek another term in the Island’s top political job.

“I think we need some stability and continuity, and if I’m successful in the election, I would be prepared for my name to go forward, so we can carry on the work we started,” he told the Election Disassembled podcast.

However, attention is also focusing on poll-topping Senator-elect Helen Miles, who as of yesterday was still considering whether to stand. Prior to the election, several candidates told the podcast that she would be their preferred choice.

Reform Jersey had also be hoping to put forward their leader, Sam Mézec, for Chief Minister once again, but he was unsuccessful in the Senatorial race.

Other successful Senatorial candidates kept their cards close to their chests when asked about their preference for the top job.

Sir Mark Boleat said he would await the results of the election, as the electorate should “have a say” in who gets the position, while Mary Le Hegarat said she felt there were “a number of candidates who could fit that role”.

Former Treasury Minister Alan Maclean said: “I would like to see who’s elected, and then have discussions with the person who is most capable, who has leadership qualities, can bring a team together, and is decisive and able to deliver a long-term vision.”

Elaine Millar said she would “keep my powder dry”, but has since suggested she would back Helen Miles.

External Relations Minister and former Chief Minister Ian Gorst noted that “quite a lot of horse trading goes on” in the days following an election. He did not give a name as to who he would back, but said: “I’ve said I would like to continue doing the job that I’m currently doing.”

How do you enter the race?

To enter the contest, candidates must submit a nomination form backed by at least six other elected States Members, as well as a statement outlining their vision and priorities for Jersey.

Here’s an example of what those ‘vision statements’ look like.

The names of those seeking the role will be published after the 5pm deadline.

The successful candidate will not be chosen immediately.

What happens next?

Instead, the newly elected States Assembly will meet on Friday 19 June to appoint a Chief-Minister-designate.

Candidates will each make a speech and answer questions from fellow Members before a vote is held.

If more than two people stand and no candidate secures a majority, the lowest-placed candidate will be eliminated after each round until a winner emerges.

The successful candidate will then begin the process of assembling a Council of Ministers, with ministerial appointments due to be considered by the Assembly later this month, on 29 June.

READ MORE…

Here’s what each candidate said in the previous battle to become Chief Minister…