IN FULL: Farnham promises practical politics over “point-scoring” in nomination speech

Lyndon Farnham has used his first speech as Jersey’s newly appointed Chief Minister to set out a vision centred on economic growth, financial discipline, housing delivery and what he described as a more collaborative style of government… Here’s what he had to say:

I am grateful for the opportunity to address Members today in this first sitting of the new Assembly, and to outline the approach I intend to take as Chief Minister.

I do so with humility, a deep sense of responsibility and, above all, optimism about Jersey’s future.

The election is now behind us.

Islanders have spoken. They have elected a new Assembly and entrusted each and every one of us with the privilege and responsibility of serving our community.

We may come from different political backgrounds. We may hold different views on individual issues. 

But we now share a common purpose: 

to provide effective government, 

to make good decisions, 

and to deliver for the people of Jersey who have placed their trust in us.

Sir, Jersey remains a remarkable place.

We are fortunate to live in a beautiful Island that enjoys political stability, strong public institutions, a successful economy and a community spirit that continues to define who we are.

We have much to be proud of. At the same time, we should never lose sight of the challenges that many Islanders face.

The cost of living remains a concern for households across the Island.

Businesses face rising costs and increasing international competition.

Public services are under pressure to do more while ensuring better value for money.

And, like many other jurisdictions, we face longer-term challenges around demographics, productivity and economic competitiveness.

These are all significant issues. But they are not insurmountable.

Jersey has faced difficult periods before and emerged stronger because we have always been prepared to adapt, innovate and rally ourselves to the cause.

That spirit remains one of our greatest strengths.

Sir, throughout my time in public service, I have learned that progress is rarely achieved by any one individual acting alone.

The most successful governments are those that are prepared to listen, to build consensus and to draw on the widest possible range of experience.

That has always been my approach.

I have worked with Members from across the political spectrum throughout my time in this Assembly, and I have always believed that good ideas deserve support regardless of where they originate.

Sir, The public expects debate.

They expect robust scrutiny.

They expect constructive challenge.

Quite rightly so. But they also expect us to find common ground where we can, and to work together when the interests of the Island require it.

I want to chair a Council of Ministers that reflects the breadth of talent, experience and perspective that exists within this Assembly.

One that values different viewpoints and constructive challenge.

One that is united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of Islanders.

One that is focused not on political labels but on delivering good government.

Sir, while leadership is important, Islanders will rightly judge us on what we achieve.

The next Government must remain focused on a number of clear priorities.

The first is maintaining strong and sustainable public finances.

Strong public finances are not simply an accounting exercise. They provide the foundation for everything else this Assembly seeks to do.

They allow us to invest in healthcare, education, housing and infrastructure.

They give us the flexibility to respond to unforeseen challenges.

Over recent years, government has faced considerable spending pressures.

Some have been unavoidable.

Some have reflected necessary decisions taken to improve services and invest in the future.

However, the next Government must place renewed emphasis on financial discipline and long-term sustainability.

That means focusing spending on priorities.

It means eliminating inefficiency wherever we find it.

And it means ensuring that every pound spent delivers better value for Islanders.

Sir, just to be absolutely clear

I do not believe in austerity.

Neither do I believe that government can continue to grow indefinitely without regard to cost.

The second priority is economic growth.

A successful economy creates opportunity.

Supports better living standards.

Generates the revenue needed to fund public services.

And provides the confidence that encourages investment and innovation.

At the same time, we must continue to strengthen the sectors that already underpin Jersey’s prosperity, particularly financial services, while creating new opportunities in technology, digital business, artificial intelligence, the marine economy and sustainable energy.

We must also support the local economy, including small businesses, hospitality, tourism, agriculture, retail, construction and professional services, because these sectors provide jobs, sustain our communities and ensure that economic success is felt across the whole Island.

Government must play its part too by maintaining competitiveness and ensuring that unnecessary bureaucracy does not stand in the way of progress.

The third priority is affordability and housing.

For many Islanders, these are the issues that matter most. They affect daily life and shape people’s confidence in the future.

Housing remains one of the defining challenges facing our Island.

Too many people feel that owning a home remains out of reach.

Too many young Islanders question whether they will be able to establish their future here.

We must continue increasing housing supply, accelerate the delivery of approved developments, and support initiatives that help Islanders access home ownership.

The fourth priority is health and public services.

Islanders need public services that are reliable, and responsive.

That means improving access to affordable care, supporting frontline staff, making better use of technology, and placing greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention.

It also means completing the new hospital at Overdale in accordance with the agreed programme, with a clear focus on delivering the safe, modern and efficient healthcare environment that Islanders, patients, staff and future generations deserve.

The fifth priority is improving the performance of government itself.

Islanders rightly expect government to be efficient, responsive and focused on delivery.

They expect decisions to be implemented.

They expect projects to be delivered.

And they expect accountability when things do not go according to plan.

Sir, we must also take a long-term view.

One of the most important issues facing Jersey over the coming years will be the impact of an ageing population and a declining birth rate.

This is not simply a demographic issue.

It affects our economy, our workforce, our healthcare, our housing needs and our public finances.

Addressing it will require careful planning and thoughtful decision-making across a number of policy areas, including housing, childcare, health, education, skills and support for families.

At the same time, Jersey must continue to look outward.

Our future prosperity depends in part on our ability to compete internationally, attract investment and maintain strong relationships beyond our shores.

We must continue to protect and enhance Jersey’s reputation and ensure that our voice is heard and respected internationally.

Sir, I have been privileged to serve Islanders in four different decades.

During that time, I have held many roles, including Deputy, Senator, Committee President, member of Scrutiny, Assistant Minister, Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister.

I have also spent much of my professional life in business and in sectors that understand the importance of service, accountability, teamwork and delivery.

Those experiences have reinforced a simple belief: Jersey always works best when we choose respect over rivalry.

The public is not interested in political point-scoring.

They are interested in outcomes.

They want government to focus on the issues that matter to them.

They want practical solutions.

They want progress.

And they want renewed confidence in the future.

Sir, the election is over. 

The task of governing now begins.

As Members, we will not agree on everything. Nor should we.

But we all want a prosperous economy.

We all want strong public services.

We all want more opportunities for younger Islanders.

nd we all want Jersey to succeed.

I will work with every Member of this Assembly in pursuit of those objectives.

I will seek to build consensus wherever possible, listen carefully to differing views, and remain focused on delivering the outcomes that Islanders expect from their Government.

We are a small Island, but we have never lacked ambition.

We have the talent, the resilience and the determination to meet the challenges ahead.

Now is the time to move forward with confidence, with purpose and with unity.

Jersey’s future cannot be shaped by words alone, but by the decisions we take, the discipline we show, and the results we deliver.

I hope all Members of this Assembly will join me in that task.

Thank you.