Reform Jersey claims "no dialogue" over Ministerial roles

Thursday 07 July 2022

Reform Jersey has claimed there has been "no dialogue to actively explore options" for any of their members to hold Ministerial roles within the new Chief Minister's government - contrary to comments made by Deputy Kristina Moore.

In a statement issued at 17:30, the party - which doubled its number of States Members to 10 in the election - said its members had not been chosen as preferred candidates for any ministerial roles despite "making it clear that they are willing to work collaboratively."

However, Deputy Moore tweeted earlier today that the party did not wish to take on any Ministerial roles.

@ReformJersey have made it clear that they do not want ministerial roles

— Kristina Moore (@Moore4Jersey) July 7, 2022

The Chief Minister-designate revealed her preferred slate of Ministers yesterday, which included six newcomers and two Ministers of the previous Council of Ministers.

Reform Jersey responded this evening:

"Throughout the election campaign and since then, Reform Jersey has made it clear that we were willing to play a role in government whether we were leading it or not. Our Party Leader, Deputy Sam Mézec has publicly stated in media interviews that he would be willing to serve in a role other than Chief Minister, and that our members would seek to serve wherever they can be most effective.

"Since the Chief Minister Designate was elected by the States Assembly on Tuesday, no dialogue to actively explore options for serving in government has taken place between the Chief Minister Designate and members of Reform Jersey's parliamentary party, despite Reform Jersey members making it clear that they are willing to work collaboratively.

"We respect the decision made by the States Assembly, which gave Deputy Moore as Chief Minister Designate the right to nominate her preferred slate of ministers. The States Assembly will have the opportunity to confirm or amend this next week.

"We will continue to work constructively in the States Assembly towards the best outcomes for our constituents and the Island. Reform Jersey members were elected on the basis of a clear manifesto based on equality, sustainability and accountability. We will pursue the pledges made in this, in whatever roles we now take in the Assembly."

The party is yet to state which positions - if any - it will contest.

There has been speculation that former teacher and Scrutineer, Deputy Rob Ward, may challenge for the role of Education Minister, for which Deputy Inna Gardiner has been put forward.

This afternoon, Deputy Gardiner published an article on her website, setting out her experience with children and education.

I put myself forward for the post of Minister for Children and Education. As with any other job application, this is my previous experience.https://t.co/lXK1J5MlZ7

— Inna Gardiner (@innagardiner) July 7, 2022

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