As Jersey sweltered through a record-breaking bank holiday weekend, the political temperature showed little sign of cooling – with Value Jersey issuing a statement seeking to answer queries around its funding amid reports of “escalating levels of abuse, malice and threats from largely anonymous social media accounts”.
The intervention came after days of mounting online debate surrounding the self-described “movement”, which has become one of the most visible – and controversial – forces of the election campaign through its coordinated branding, candidate support packages and association with the Messina Group political consultancy.
“Significant misinformation”
Board members from the political movement, which has been publicly endorsed by nine candidates standing for election next month, issued a statement on Monday morning in a bid to highlight the position and clarify what is described as “significant misinformation”.
The statement read: “Over the past few weeks, independent candidates who have endorsed Value Jersey’s principles and policies – as detailed in the Purple Book [policy document] – as well as some who haven’t, have faced escalating levels of abuse, malice and threats from largely anonymous social media accounts.
“In an attempt to discredit our policies and the candidates who have endorsed them, significant misinformation has been spread about Value Jersey, our structure and our funding.
“This behaviour is entirely unacceptable, unedifying and undermines Jersey’s democratic process. It must stop.”
A “voluntary organisation”
The issuing of the statement scotched any notion that the election might pause over the bank holiday weekend as the Island broiled in record-breaking heat.
Instead, it seemed to confirm that the political temperature is likely to remain hot until the last Islanders have cast their votes on the evening of Sunday 7 June.
The five Islanders making up the Board – Michael Oliver, Sophie Reid, Graham Root, Rowland Huelin and Peter Lucas – said that Value Jersey wanted to offer “as many details as we are able” in order to provide transparency.
The quintet explained that:
“Value Jersey is a voluntary organisation that was founded by Islanders, frustrated by inaction on the serious economic challenges we face: It is too expensive here, successive governments have spent more than they can afford, and our economy is in decline.
“We have developed the “Purple Book” to provide the next Assembly with priorities and practical policies to help people through the cost-of-living crisis, cut government waste, and reboot the local economy.
“Value Jersey is a voluntary organisation created by Islanders and funded by Islanders. Unlike some other political organisations in Jersey, we don’t take money from lobby groups or unions. We rely on the generosity of Islanders to chip in to help us make Jersey an even better place to live.”
Donations received
A total of 58 donations had been received, the statement continued, in amounts ranging from £1 to £10,000, with the majority being less than £500.
Only one donation came from a non-Jersey resident – a UK-based individual with business interests in Jersey, the board added.
Value Jersey also said that:
- Some donors had wished to remain anonymous, while others had shared their support publicly.
- Candidates endorsing the movement would declare their election expenses in the normal and appropriate manner.
- Board members had engaged with the Information Commissioner and the Jersey Electoral Authority, with no concerns being raised in the course of these discussions.
The statement concluded: “We are a proud, Jersey-based, and Jersey-funded voluntary political movement.
“Our sole aim is to make Jersey more affordable and prosperous, and we offer evidence-based policy solutions that any candidate is free to endorse and champion.”
Which candidates have endorsed Value Jersey?
The eight candidates for Deputy to have publicly endorsed Value Jersey are: Claire De Than, Samantha Gleave, Judy Martin, Cameron Monro, Robert Parker, Gabriel Raimondo, Phil Romeril and Gerald Voisin. Serena Kersten, one of the 17 candidates for Senator, has also endorsed the movement’s policies.
