A departing assistant minister has fired a parting shot at Jersey’s economic leadership, claiming that key government decisions are being taken without full transparency.
Deputy Moz Scott announced this evening that she has stepped down from her role as Assistant Minister for Sustainable Economic Development and External Relations, citing concerns over the ferry contract and the impact of economic policy on local industries.
The St Brelade Deputy said: “Sustainable improvements in living standards will not be achieved without reform of the Department of the Economy, stronger political leadership on economic policy, and a modern system of administrative redress.”
Deputy Scott also claimed that economic advice which did not support certain policy decisions had not been published, despite commitments to openness.
“Good decision-making depends on open scrutiny of evidence, particularly where public funds and long-term economic outcomes are concerned,” she said.
Sustainable improvements in living standards will not be achieved without […] stronger political leadership on economic policy
deputy moz scotT
The former assistant minister also confirmed she had raised concerns as far back as November 2024 about the risks tied to the island’s preferred ferry operator and pricing model, including potential impacts on the cost of living and tourism.
“In my view, those risks have materialised,” she said, adding that an alternative approach had been proposed but rejected.
She also warned that economic policies backed by the Council of Ministers had “adverse consequences” for parts of the economy – including farming, tourism and retail – despite increased public funding intended to mitigate those effects.
Deputy Scott said she had entered the role believing her priorities aligned with ministerial colleagues, but concluded there were “fundamental differences” in approach.
She added that the Ministerial Code of Conduct had limited her ability to speak openly while in office – but that remaining in post was no longer tenable.
Despite the criticism, she pointed to a series of achievements, including cybersecurity legislation, intellectual property reform and work on online harms and data protection.
“I am proud of what has been delivered in these areas and grateful to the policy officers I worked alongside,” she said.
The announcement comes less than two months before islanders head to the polls for the election on 7 June.
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham accepted the assistant minister’s resignation and thanked Deputy Scott for her “service and contributions” during her time in office.
In a statement, he added: “Given the limited time remaining in the current political term, the Ministers for External Relations and for Sustainable Economic Development have confirmed that they do not intend to appoint a replacement assistant minister prior to the forthcoming election.”