Four more years “too great a commitment” for Health Minister

Monday 09 April 2018

The Minister for Health and Social Services will not seek re-election after a decade in the States, becoming the fifth member of the Council of Ministers to announce their departure from politics.

First elected as a St. Helier Deputy in 2008, Senator Andrew Green will bring 10 years of service, which saw him also take on the position of Chairman of the States Employment Board, to a close.

The Senator explained that his workload had played a crucial part in his decision-making, having regularly worked 80-hour weeks in his Ministerial role.

He added that stepping down would allow him more time to focus on his family, as well as his role as Chairman of Headway UK, which earned him an MBE for services to the community in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2009.

“There is no single reason why I have decided not to stand for a fourth term, but I have three substantial roles and regularly work 80-hour weeks… By standing down now I shall be able to devote more time to two other roles about which I am passionate. The first is as national chairman of Headway UK; the other is as grandparent to two wonderful young people,” he said.

Pictured: The Health Minister worked on the Future Hospital project during his most recent term.

During his most recent term, the Minister led efforts on the £466million Future Hospital project alongside the Department for Infrastructure, as well as drafting legislation for an opt-out organ donation system. On Friday, he announced the launch of free cervical screening for those aged 25 and above. Today, States Members will debate introducing new mental health laws, which the Minister also played a part in developing.

“I would happily continue for one more year if that were possible in order to see the completion of a number of projects, but a further four years, by which time I would be 71, would be too great a commitment,” he commented.

As Chairman of the States Employment Board, he was equally involved in the controversial Workforce Modernisation Programme, which saw many public sector employees threatened with a real-terms pay cut - plans for which have since been thrown out.

Senator Green’s decision means that half of Ministers serving under Chief Minister Senator Ian Gorst have taken the decision to step down. The Ministers for Infrastructure, Housing, Treasury, and External Relations have all announced their intention not to stand again.

A number of Assistant Ministers – most recently Deputy Murray Norton – have also stated that they will leave the political arena following the election. 

The Minister for Education, who was recently cleared of misconduct following an investigation into claims made by his female Ministerial colleagues, is still yet to declare.