“I look forward to debating policies not personalities”

Saturday 30 January 2021

Reform Jersey has welcomed the new party on the scene, with its leader saying he looks forward to debating “policies not personalities” at the next election.

Senator Sam Mézec, who has led what was until today Jersey’s only political party for nearly a decade, said he congratulated sitting politicians Senator Steve Pallett and Deputy Steve Luce for founding the Progress Party, which he said marked “an important moment for Jersey.”

They officially registered their party - a “grassroots” centrist group focused on a “sustainable agenda” - in the Royal Court yesterday morning.

Party leader Senator Pallett told Express the Progress Party was born out of a drive to improve the accountability and integrity of the States Assembly, restore public trust and get things done.

The Progress Party launches today. Join us and help shape the future of Jersey
This is your Island, this is your party, this is your chance to make a real difference. https://t.co/fPHnBiFQbc #theprogressparty #jerseypolitics

— The Progress Party - Jersey (@ProgressJsy) January 29, 2021

“[We’ve] always felt it’s very difficult as a States Member to get anything done on an individual manifesto,” he explained. 

“Through a party structure, we can ensure we can deliver on what we say we’re going to deliver as a group and I think that will raise the integrity of States Members because… that’s been an issue in recent times, the lack of delivery. People need to trust their States Members again and we want to bring that back.”  

The rationale was supported by Reform Jersey, who said in a statement after the official launch of Progress that they “welcome[d] the realisation amongst others in the States that party politics is the future for our island.” 

Our statement on the foundation of a second political party.
Party politics is clearly the future for Jersey.

If you want to be a part of a party that stands for social and economic justice, you can sign up at https://t.co/PcHGsJN4rv pic.twitter.com/Z8GPoyeVDe

— Reform Jersey (@ReformJersey) January 29, 2021

They continued: “Party politics is fundamental to the functioning of a democracy. For decades, Jersey’s voting public have been let down by our broken electoral system where elections are based on personality rather than policies.

“Elections should be about voters choosing between competing visions for government and a coherent set of policies.”

Turning to the Progress Party specifically Reform said they looked forward to “engaging in a proper debate with their members about the key policy issues facing our island, and we will work constructively with them when our agendas align”, adding: “We hope they will quickly commit to several of the key policies Reform Jersey outlined in its ‘New Deal’ for Jersey, as a vision for how we rebuild our society and economy post-pandemic.” 

On Twitter, Senator Mézec said: “I have spoken to Steve Pallett and Steve Luce to congratulate them on founding the Progress Party. This is an important moment for Jersey. I look forward to working together when our policies align, and ahead to the next election where we debate policies not personalities!” 

Thanks Sam. Totally agree, future debate should be about policies and not about personalities . Disagreeing with a viewpoint taken by others is always going to happen but there is no need to be vindictive or nasty . Look forward to the next year plus running up to the election

— Steve Pallett (@Steveforsenator) January 29, 2021

Senator Pallett replied: “Thanks Sam. Totally agree, future debate should be about policies and not about personalities . Disagreeing with a viewpoint taken by others is  always going to happen but there is no need to be vindictive or nasty. Look forward to the next year plus running up to the election.”

Pictured top: Reform Jersey Leader Senator Sam Mézec and Progress Party Leader Senator Steve Pallett.