Assistant Minister makes "difficult decision" to step down

Friday 06 April 2018

The Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, who led efforts on the Aircraft Registry project, has announced he will not seek re-election in May for "personal reasons."

Deputy Murray Norton - a restaurateur and former radio DJ - was first elected to the States as Deputy of St. Brelade District 1 in 2014.

In a statement, Deputy Norton commented: "I have decided, due to personal reasons and after discussing my decision with my family, friends and supporters, that I will not be seeking re-election in May."

Expressing his gratitude to those who have supported him over the years, he added: "This has been a difficult decision, but would take this opportunity to thank not only those family, friends and supporters, but those within District No.1 of St.Brelade and the staff at Economic Development, Tourism, Sport & Culture.

"It has been a honour and pleasure to have served in both the Parish and Government. My gratitude extends to all current States Members and Officers of the States Assembly."

Pictured: Ministers recently handed control of the Aircraft Registry to Ports of Jersey.

During his time as an Assistant Minister, the Deputy worked on numerous projects across the sectors of economic development, tourism and culture. He was tasked with working on the Jersey Aircraft Registry, which came under close scrutiny after attracting just two aircrafts following an investment of over £800,000 of public money.

However, the Assistant Minister recently announced a new way forward for the project. A five-year agreement was last month signed with Ports of Jersey in a bid to secure fresh success for the venture, which had been put on hold.

The new agreement came after a year-long rethink involving negotiations with a “number of parties”, and will involve a strict monitoring regime to ensure the registry performs as expected and hits specific objectives and targets.

The former presenter also wished the "best of luck" to those seeking election.

Deputy Norton joins Assistant Ministers Senator Paul Routier, Constable John Refault and Deputy Peter McLinton, who have also confirmed that they will not stand again. Several Ministers have also confirmed that they will not stand again - Infrastructure, Housing, Treasury and External Relations will all be leaving their roles.