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Chief Minister hopes for "close and productive" relationship with Labour

Chief Minister hopes for

Friday 05 July 2024

Chief Minister hopes for "close and productive" relationship with Labour

Friday 05 July 2024


Jersey's Chief Minister has said he looks forward to "building a close and productive working relationship" with the UK's new Labour government after their landslide election victory.

Following a dramatic night in British politics, the Conservatives are on course for their worst result in history, while Labour secured more than 400 seats in the House of Commons.

Lauding the result, Britain's next Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said: "Today, we start the next chapter, begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal and start to rebuild our country."

While Jersey and Guernsey are independent, there are regular engagements between the UK Government and Crown Dependencies on matters that concern them.

This morning, Jersey's Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham commented: "Congratulations to the Labour Party on their resounding victory in the UK General Election."

"We have worked closely and collaboratively with consecutive Conservative governments and look forward to building a close and productive working relationship with the Labour government," he added.

The Tories, who have been in government since 2010, lost several key members last night, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Penny Mordaunt, who had been tipped as a future leader.

Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who retained his seat, described the results as "sobering", adding: "There is much to learn and reflect on and I take responsibility for the loss."

Election night brought further sweeping changes across the political spectrum, with the Lib Dems securing their best result for more than 100 years, and the Green Party taking a record four seats.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage became an MP on his eighth attempt, with his right-wing party grabbing four.

As the results rolled in overnight, Housing Minister and leader of left-leaning Reform Jersey Sam Mézec joked: "Every time I hear 'Reform set to gain seats', I instinctively get excited before having to remind myself NOT TONIGHT."

Jersey's next general election is two years away, and a campaign has begun to find "high-quality" candidates that may encourage more people to turn out.

Follow Express for updates...

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