Jersey is at risk of driving away capable people from running for election because of the growing culture of online abuse directed at politicians, the Housing Minister has said.
Deputy Sam Mézec has spoken out about the abuse he regularly faces online, warning that Jersey is already losing potential leaders as a result.
Speaking to Express, he said: “I won’t say who, but I did speak very recently to a very bright and likeable young person who specifically told me that one of the reasons he wouldn’t get into politics is because of everything he sees about abuse online.
“And isn’t that sad that the island would be losing out on someone who could have a positive role to play because they have said they are put off by all of this.”
The Minister recently shared examples of social media comments calling him a “child”, a “clown”, “the worst Housing Minister ever”, and “an utter disgrace”.
Whilst Deputy Mézec explained that “none of this upsets me”, he warned that the consequences of this behaviour extend far beyond individual politicians.
“The island has so many challenges ahead of it, and there is nothing inevitable about Jersey’s future prosperity and success. It will be down to what results we get in elections,” he explained.
“Everything can get worse … people [need to] come out and take part and make sure they vote for the kind of politics they want to see, not the kind of politics we see in the comment section.”
In a longer post on social media, Deputy Mézec stressed that he was not seeking sympathy, but highlighting a systemic problem that threatens the quality of Jersey’s democracy.
“I’m sharing it to show what we’re up against, and why complacency in our politics is dangerous,” he said.
Deputy Mézec described a culture in which “bile, abuse, and toxic cynicism” are increasingly used to drown out constructive debate, despite most islanders wanting “a politics that rolls up its sleeves, fixes problems, and treats people with basic respect.”
Calling on “good people” not to be intimidated into silence, he urged islanders to challenge abuse rather than retreat from public debate.
“If badly motivated people are taking over a space, well-motivated people should invade that space and take it right back from them.
“We have to be more assertive about the kind of politics we want to see, and that means being more positive on social media, standing up to bullying and to abuse.”
The warning comes ahead of a free, six-week course beginning in January 2026 for islanders considering running for election next year.
Organised by Vote.je, the programme will explain how the States Assembly and government operate, offer practical guidance on standing for office, and include training on “online safety and the effective use of social media”.
You can find out more online.