Chief Minister offers new PM Rishi Sunak "warmest congratulations"

Wednesday 26 October 2022

Jersey's Chief Minister has written to the UK's new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to offer him her "warmest congratulations" - click to read her full letter.

Former Chancellor and hedge fund manager Mr Sunak became Prime Minister following his official appointment by King Charles III on Tuesday, which came after Penny Mordaunt pulled out of the race for the Conservative leadership.

Writing to Mr Sunak the following day, Jersey's top politician offered her "warmest congratulations" before going on to stress the importance of the "longstanding links" between Jersey and the UK.<

She also touched on post-Brexit-related challenges for the island, which she said would need "ongoing cooperation".

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Deputy Kristina Moore's letter to Rishi Sunak.

Mr Sunak's appointment was seven weeks to the day that his predecessor, Liz Truss, was appointed by Her Majesty the Queen at Balmoral following the resignation of Boris Johnson.

Jersey's External Relations Minister Philip Ozouf wrote to her to congratulate her on 30 September, following the period of mourning for Elizabeth II.

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Deputy Philip Ozouf's letter to Liz Truss.

As well as touching on Brexit and the island's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in common with Deputy Moore's letter to Mr Sunak, Deputy Ozouf said: "Jersey enjoyed a very positive relationship with your predecessor, Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, and I look forward to a similarly warm and supportive dialogue with you and your Ministerial team, to underpin the mutual success of our jurisdictions."

He added: "Perhaps we may have time for a brief word at the Conservative Party Conference in October, which I will be attending alongside Jersey's Chief Minister and Minister for Treasury and Resources."

Good to catch-up with the UK Prime Minister @trussliz
#CPC22 ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/3ZXyqGKHLO

— Philip Ozouf ???????? (@philipozouf) October 3, 2022

Deputy Ozouf did indeed meet Ms Truss at the conference, and the pair had a photograph together.