As 2026 edges into view, Express has been asking Jersey’s elected representatives to reflect on the political lessons that defined 2025 – and what sustained them when the year got tough…
Over the coming days, we’ll be sharing States Assembly members’ reflections on the highs, the lows and everything in between.
Deputy Elaine Millar
St John, St Lawrence and Trinity Deputy, Minister for Treasury and Resources
“I don’t know if I had any great moment of epiphany this year but 2025 has confirmed to me that if you really want to achieve something, it takes determination and perseverance.
“My ‘work’ highlight was the Assembly vote in January in favour of reintroducing the island-wide mandate, on the third attempt to do so.
“It was, and remains, controversial in some quarters but I am convinced that a large part of our community wants to see this.
“I just hope they all prove me right and come out and vote for their Senators on 7 June 2026.
“My personal highlight was ticking-off an adventure that has been on my bucket list for years, when I completed the West Highland Way (a 100-mile walk from Glasgow to Fort William) in May.
“Alongside all the usual things, like socialising with friends, walking and being outdoors really does help keep me going.
“I am a huge believer in the power of silence and a long walk with just the sounds of the island is a great way to think, relax and calm the mind.”
Constable Karen Stone
St Martin Connétable
“My highlight of the year was delivering the Liberation 80 speech on behalf of the States Assembly in Liberation Square on 9 May.
“If one is given a voice, then it is one’s duty to use it to call out injustice. I felt that I needed to speak on behalf of my family who endured the Occupation and for everyone else who suffered, lived through the Occupation, or lost loved ones.
“This corresponded to my duty as a member of the Assembly to speak out about the growing parallels with the world today and make it clear that Jersey must stand up to these threats to democracy and fundamental equality.
“Use your voice to call out injustice. It is extremely important not to allow history to be forgotten, and to always try to find genuine and positive solutions.
“What kept me going was my husband and children for their support, honesty, and insight.
“As well as the team I work with in the parish, having a sense of humour, being positive, appreciating the natural environment, reading all Deborah Levy’s books this year and listening to Taylor Swift in the car.”
Deputy Catherine Curtis
St Helier Central Deputy, Chair of Children, Education and Home Affairs Panel
“Something I already knew but was confirmed again this year – that if you don’t take action yourself, sometimes no one else will.
“So please, everyone, if you’re aware of a matter that’s illegal, dangerous, or just unfair, please report it and take action.
“My main highlight was getting unanimous support for my proposition for penalties to include a lifetime driving ban for drivers who fail to stop and report an accident following a serious or fatal injury.
“I felt this was at least a step towards justice for those families who’d lost loved ones or had family members seriously injured.
“Another highlight was the publication of my Scrutiny Panel’s review ‘What protection do children in Jersey have from online harms’. The review has prompted the government to act and hopefully will help protect children from online dangers.
“And, the support of my partner, family and friends and my lovely dog and cats kept me going. Also going for walks around our lovely lanes and days spent on the beach swimming in the sea.”
Constable David Johnson
St Mary Connétable
“The key lesson I learned; the influence of backbenchers is much reduced when the Government includes members of a party accounting for 20% of the number of States Members.
“As part of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel, my main highlight was achieving changes to the draft Residential Tenancy Law, to the extent that the majority of States Members felt able to support what represented a fairer balance of interests as between landlords and tenants.
“Assuming appropriate candidate comes forward, what kept me going was the prospect of this being my final term”