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Today’s a big day for States Members old and new - while the fresh crop officially got sworn in this morning, for many it's time to say 'à bétôt' to the Chamber that has been their political home for the past four years.
All 49 politicians who will make up the island’s government for the next four years had to attend a short ceremony in the Royal Court this morning to take their oath of office.
Although only two States members lost their seats in the recent general election – St Clement Deputy Simon Brée, and St Mary Constable Juliette Gallichan – because so many members decided to ‘retire’ and not seek re-election, the new States is going to look very different to its predecessor.
There are 18 ‘new’ faces – although some have been in the States before – all of them constables or deputies. There are now 13 women in the States – one more than in the previous assembly, and the island’s only political party – Reform Jersey – has upped its number of seats by two to five.
Video: Excited States Members enter the Chamber.
Despite more than a third of members being newbies, what’s perhaps going to be most noticeable is the number of new faces that could become ministers. There was a disproportionate number of ministers who decided not to stand for re-election. Who gets those jobs will be largely down to whoever becomes Chief Minister.
Neither the senatorial poll-topper Deputy Tracey Vallois nor runner-up Deputy Kristina Moore have chosen to go for the job. It was expected to be a three-way fight, but Senator Lyndon Farnham withdrew just hours before the deadline for nominations leaving former Chief Minister Senator Ian Gorst fighting it out with senatorial newcomer John Le Fondré.
States members will have to decide which one of them they want to lead the island on Monday. Senator Gorst’s form has mainly been signed by the old guard, whilst Senator-elect John Le Fondré’s form draws heavily on the ranks of new members. While they haven't always agreed with the party in the past, both candidates are looking to entice Reform Jersey, who could hold significant sway with votes from their five incoming States Members.
Pictured: Could the result of the vote on who becomes Chief Minister - Senator-elect John Le Fondré or Senator Ian Gorst - decide if there's going to a raft of first-time ministers?
Whoever gets elected then comes back to the States and presents who they want as their ministers. Traditionally this is drawn from the ranks of their supporters, although often those challenging for the top job have also found themselves invited to be a minister. It is then up to States members either to approve the appointments or to make their own suggestions, which are then voted on.
Addressing members this morning the Bailiff, Sir William Bailhache, told them to get on with things, and not endless have the same debates again and again: "it is for members to decide if they think it is productive to debate the same issue over and over again, but for my part, I would hope that we can avoid that. Such a course of action damages both the Bailiff's position as civic head of the island and the reputation of the States and repeated debates increase the damage."
And he went on to say: "the business of politics can be lonely, and can be tedious. It will be hard work, but it can also be uplifting. Sometimes you will come away feeling very negative and depressed. On other occasions you will come away full of enthusiasm and hope. But despite the potential for loneliness which can come about for a number of reasons, you will also find very frequently in the Assembly cooperation, consensus and genuine friendships, whether there is political agreement or not."
Tracey Vallois, Kristina Moore, John Le Fondré, Lyndon Farnham, Steve Pallett, Ian Gorst, Sarah Ferguson, and Sam Mézec
John Le Maistre (Grouville), Michael Jackson (St. Brelade), Len Norman (St. Clement), Simon Crowcroft (St. Helier), Christopher Taylor (St. John), Deirdre Mezbourian (St. Lawrence), Karen Stone (St. Martin), John Le Bailly (St. Mary), Richard Buchanan (St. Ouen), Richard Vibert (St. Peter), Sadie Rennard (St. Saviour), and Philip Le Sueur (Trinity)
Grouville - Carolyn Labey
St. Brelade No. 1 – John Young
St. Brelade No. 2 – Montfort Tadier, Graham Truscott
St. Clement – Lindsay Ash, Susie Pinel
St. Helier No. 1 – Russell Labey, Judy Martin, Scott Wickenden
St. Helier No. 2 – Carina Alves, Geoff Southern, Robert Ward
St. Helier No. 3 and 4 – Steve Ahier, Mike Higgins, Mary Le Hegarat, Richard Rondel
St. John – Trevor Pointon
St. Lawrence – Gregory Guida, Kirsten Morel
St. Martin – Steve Luce
St. Mary – David Johnson
St. Ouen – Richard Renouf
St. Peter – Rowland Huelin
St. Saviour No. 1 – Jeremy Maçon, Kevin Pamplin
St. Saviour No. 2 – Louise Doublet, Kevin Lewis
St. Saviour No. 3 - Jess Perchard
Trinity – Hugh Raymond
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