A new political movement aiming to represent Islanders who feel they are “treading water” amid rising costs and apparent government inaction is being launched next week.
In a video announcing the initiative, Broadlands estate agent Harry Trower – well-known among Islanders for his social media videos – said the campaign was “nothing to do with property or estate agency”, but “something bigger – something that most of middle Jersey is feeling right now”.
“Why does it feel like you’re treading water?”
“If you’re between 30 and 50, working hard, raising a family, you’re not struggling, right? You earn well, you live on a beautiful island… so why does it feel like you’re treading water? Because you are,” he said.
Mr Trower pointed to rising prices and government policy as key issues.
“Every week it feels like another bill goes up. Food prices – ridiculous. Housing costs through the roof. Renting, no better. Borrowing, brutal. Don’t even get me started on childcare,” he said.
Childcare should “empower parents… not punish them”
He criticised the system for “hamstringing half the workforce”, saying childcare should “empower parents to work, not punish them for it”.
“We’re not thriving. We’re surviving,” he continued. “While we’re all working harder than ever just to keep our heads above water, our government seems more focused on red tape and infighting than real solutions.”
Describing Value Jersey as “a movement, not a political party”, Mr Trower said it would focus on “real, practical solutions to ease the cost of living, the cost of business and the cost of government”.
The group will officially launch on 22 October at 5.30pm at The Sundown, marking the second pre-election political launch in recent weeks.
Another pre-election push
At a launch event on 24 September, newly rebranded political party Advance Jersey – previously the Jersey Liberal Conservatives – vowed to increase their presence in the States Assembly following next year’s election.
Party leader Deputy Philip Bailhache said the party had its sights set on Reform Jersey, which currently has 10 States Members – five times the existing contingent of Advance politicians.
“We need to match that [Reform] figure if we are to have a chance of influencing the government in 2026,” he said. “And why not? Most Jersey people do not, I believe, embrace socialist principles – it is up to us to shape party politics in the best interests of the Island.”
Jersey’s next general election will be taking place on Sunday 7 June 2026.
