By-election date confirmed

Friday 14 December 2018

An election to fill the seat held by the late St. Helier Deputy Richard Rondel will be held in February, it has been confirmed.

The Royal Court announced this morning that the by-election for St. Helier District 3/4 will take place on 27 February 2019, with Jurat Anthony Olsen as the returning officer.

Deputy Richard Rondel passed away at the Jersey Hospice last month aged 54 - seven years to the day after he was first elected to serve the island.

It came following what was described as a long and "courageous battle" with cancer.

Despite this, the St. Helier Deputy remained dedicated to the end, frequently attending States Meetings and taking part in the Planning Committee throughout his illness.

Pictured: Deputy Richard Rondel was a dedicated States Member and family man.

In the final States Assembly sitting of this year, which took place last week, he was honoured in a series of tributes by politicians and the Bailiff, who expressed their condolences to the Deputy's family.

Senator Ian Gorst said that the Christmas lights were this year "a little bit dimmer" without the Deputy.

The Constable of St. Helier, Simon Crowcroft, commented: "It is a matter of enormous regret that the late Deputy Richard Rondel, having topped the poll in his District of St. Helier, was not able to enjoy more of his third term of office.  He was highly regarded by all of the Constables and is much missed."

"We will miss him, miss him," Deputy Judy Martin later added. "He was the most lovely person and the Deputies’ benches are very much sad for not having him here."