A group of independent candidates have announced they will be working together if elected this year, under the banner, 'A Better Way'.
It's not a political party, but its members describe themselves "as a broad church, motivated by a desire to work collaboratively, to listen and engage with the people we represent and focus on delivering the best outcomes for Jersey."
The group is made up of four candidates: Chief Scrutineer, and current Senator, Kristina Moore, along with political newcomers Alex Curtis, Lucy Stephenson and David Warr.
Robert Surcouf, Marisa Warren and Chair, Toni Roberts, are supporting them.
The General Election is on 22 June this year, and will be contested by both independent candidates, and registered political parties including Reform, Alliance, Progress and the Jersey Liberal Conservatives.
Member of 'A Better Way', Alex Curtis, says: “We believe that it is important to maintain the island’s traditionally independent, consensus based politics. However, in a world facing great instability those who are elected in June must be ready to work together in a positive way & respond to what may become a rapidly changing scenario.”
The group list their principles as being:
"Whether in government or scrutiny we will work together to ensure that:
the Assembly is responsive to the needs of the people of Jersey;
decisions are sustainable & evidence based, balancing social, economic & environmental wellbeing;
spending is affordable now and for future generations;
diversity is valued, recognising the potential of every member of our community;
Jersey plays a positive and relevant role internationally;
businesses and entrepreneurial skills are supported to generate financial growth and stability.
Senator Moore added: “We aim to have candidates in every district, some cannot announce they are standing just yet and we welcome anyone who thinks a Better Way is for them to get in touch.”
The group's candidates describe themselves as follows:
"Alex Curtis (St. Clement): currently a Data Scientist at Microsoft. He is the founder of and distiller at La Cote Distillery, which produces "Genuine Jersey" artisanal spirits. Alex has been interested in politics for a number of years. He is passionate about making Jersey a sustainable island that offers and supports meaningful work and opportunities for islanders. Alex is standing in his family parish of St. Clement, where he hopes to engage with all parishioners in shaping our future."
"Kristina Moore (St. Mary, St. Ouen, St. Peter): former journalist and a states member since 2011, Kristina is currently a Senator and President of the Scrutiny Liaison Committe and has previously served as Home Affairs Minister (2014-2018) & Chair of the Health, Social Security & Housing Scrutiny Panel (2011-2014). She is married to James who is an Advocate. They live in St Peter with their two teenage sons. The family enjoys skiing, playing cards and walking their 3 dogs together."
"Lucy Stephenson (St. Mary, St. Ouen, St. Peter): Assistant Editor at the Jersey Evening Post, Lucy is currently on maternity leave and would resign from her job if elected. She is standing in District 1 and passionately believes in the need for greater diversity in the States Assembly. She is a founding governor of infertility charity Tiny Seeds, is one half of the team behind Genuine Jersey gifts and events styling business All About Love and during the pandemic set up the St Ouen, Jersey - residents Facebook page, which now has more than 2,300 members."
"David Warr (St. Helier South): the owner of Cooper & Co. a locally owned family run business that consists of 3 cafes, a shop, on-line presence and major wholesale operation. David has been running the business for the past 30 years, He is married to Pam and has 2 grown up sons, both of whom are currently working in London. A past president of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce, with a masters in business administration and a keen tennis player who has represented the Island on many occasions."
Pictured top - from left: Lucy Stephenson, Alex Curtis, Kristina Moore, David Warr, Marisa Warren, Toni Roberts, Robert Surcouf.
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