Some familiar faces proposed for Jersey's Council of Ministers

Tuesday 30 January 2024

Following their own vote of no confidence, Jersey's new Chief Minister has picked his own preferred Council of Ministers which will be put to the vote on Tuesday morning.

Released this morning, Deputy Lyndon Farnham's ideal team is made up of three previous Ministers with new portfolios, three Reform Deputies, one Ministerial newbie and one former Minister returning back to his old role after years away.

He was elected as Chief Minister last week, after former post holder Deputy Kristina Moore was ousted in the vote of no confidence earlier this month.

Deputy Farnham has shown some faith in members of her Council of Ministers though.

Deputy Elaine Millar served as Social Security Minister in Kristina Moore's Government and she is now suggested for the role of Treasury Minister, while Deputy Moore's Treasury Minister, Deputy Ian Gorst is now proposed to take on the position of External Relations Minister. A former Chief Minister himself he has also held the role of External Relations Minster previously.

Also likely to return to the Council of Ministers is Deputy Moore's former Deputy Chief Minister Deputy Kirsten Morel who has been proposed for the role of Economic Development Minister. He had served as Economic Development Minister in Deputy Moore's Government so it is a role he knows well.

Other recommendations for Deputy Farnham's Council of Ministers include Deputy Tom Binet, proposed for the role of Deputy Chief and Health Minister, and Deputy Sam Mezzo as Housing Minister.

Both men were also in the running to be Jersey's new Chief Minister. Deputy Mezzo's name made it to the ballot paper but he was unsuccessful when the States voted, while Deputy Binet made an embarrassing miscalculation prior to the deadline for nominations and was not in the running when the vote was held.

As leader of the Reform Jersey party, Deputy Mezec could be joined by two of his party peers in the Council of Ministers if Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, the Deputy Leader of Reform Jersey is appointed as Social Security Minister and Deputy Robert Ward is appointed Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning - a new role which will need an Order drafted to enact.

Other nominees Deputy Farnham would like to have on his Council of Ministers include Deputy Mary Le Hegarat as Home Affairs Minister, Constable Andy Jehan as Infrastructure Minister, Deputy Steve Luce as Environment Minister, and Deputy Carolyn Labey as International Development Minister.

Constable Richard Vibert is nominated for the role of Children and Education Minister (to be renamed Minister for Children when an Order is enacted to separate out the role of Education Minister). 

When will the new Ministers be confirmed?

Votes over who will take on what portfolio in Jersey's government will be taking place this morning in the island's States Assembly.

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