Politician to step down after nearly quarter of a century

Wednesday 14 February 2018

After almost 25 years of political service, the island's longest serving Senator has announced that he will not be seeking re-election in May.

Assistant Chief Minister Senator Paul Routier MBE, who holds responsibility for Population Policy, announced in a statement that his decision had come “after a great deal of consideration.”

The Senator, whose current role means that he has an island-wide mandate, first entered the Chamber in 1993 as a Deputy in St. Helier’s No. 1 District. There, he served three terms before stepping into a senatorial role.

His career then saw him work for a decade-and-a-half on the Social Security Committee - as President and later the first Minister.

“During that time I was pleased to review the support provided to people on low incomes which saw the introduction of the income support system. I was also pleased to introduce employment legislation to give protection to employees and employers,” Senator Routier recalled.

Pictured: While the States still operated under a committee system, Senator Paul Routier held a senior role within Social Security. 

He continued: “I also served as the last president of Jersey Telecoms before incorporation, Chairman of Jersey Overseas Aid and assistant minister economic development. In earlier years I served on several committees including Housing, Education Sport and Leisure, Prison Board.”

Senator Routier has spent a total of nine years as Assistant Chief Minister. He extended his gratitude to his colleagues, commenting: “I would like to thank all the supporters who have asked me to continue, however after 24 years of service I have decided to take up other challenges.”

Senator Routier is the second member of the Council of Ministers to announce that he will not stand again in the island’s General Election. Infrastructure Minister, Deputy Eddie Noel, announced that he would also be departing the States Assembly.

Pictured: Deputy Eddie Noel, Minister for Infrastructure, has also said that he will not be standing in May’s General Election.

He told Express that his decision had been a combination of factors - returning to a ‘normal’ family life had been a key reason, as well as frustrations at the pace of decision-making amongst his fellow States Members and a tendency amongst some to favour popularity over action.