POLL: Who should be the next Chief Minister?

Tuesday 22 May 2018

With islanders recently going to the polls to elect a new States Assembly, you might think that elections are done and dusted, at least for a while.

But for the new States Members who have started their induction this week, the voting has only just begun, and they will soon face their first major decision, perhaps even the most important they will have to make in their four-year term of office: who should be their leader?

With the new system of government, the man, or woman, at the top has very considerable power and influence over the direction the island takes in the coming years, not least in deciding who should be running each of the ministries. 

So, here at Bailiwick Express, we thought we would give them a little help, by asking you for your views. After all, the decision will be made on your behalf, so shouldn't you have the chance to let your elected representatives know how you feel?

In some ways, the electorate has already spoken, with five of the six leading contenders standing in last week's Senatorial Election, and so giving islanders the chance to show their support, or otherwise.

But there were clearly a lot of other factors also involved in people's voting last week, so here is your chance just to focus on one question: who do you think should be Jersey's next Chief Minister, following on from former Senators Frank Walker and Terry Le Sueur and most recently (and perhaps again) Senator-elect Ian Gorst. 

So far only Senators-elect Le Fondré, Gorst and Farnham have confirmed they will be standing, but we have included other potential candidates as well, to give a wider choice. 

Here are the options, and you can vote below:

Ian Gorst - has already served two terms in the top job, so is the most experienced candidate. However, he stood for election last week on a platform of "change" - but just not in his own role.

Steve Luce - has navigated the role many allege is a 'poison chalice' - Planning Minister - successfully, and took a high profile role through the recent RNLI dispute. The only Deputy in the list, but that doesn't mean he couldn't be elected as the Chief.

Lyndon Farnham - the previous Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture. Another experienced politician, who knows the workings of the Council of Ministers. Visitor numbers are picking up, but will have to get over the ongoing issues with Condor.

John Le Fondre - third in last week's Senatorial election, and a previous contender for Treasury Minister. Has experienced ministerial government as an Assistant Minister, and is also an active and vocal scrutineer. Known for his attention to detail.

Tracey Vallois - poll-topper in last week's Senatorial election, but has since said she doesn't want the top job, inclining instead towards a post as Education Minister. Has served on scrutiny, and as an Assistant Minister.

Kristina Moore - has previously denied that she was aiming for the Chief's job, and is known to be a staunch ally of Senator-elect Gorst. But after coming second in the Senatorial - well above Senator Gorst - she wouldn't rule out a shot at the title.

The survey will be open for 48 hours, and we'll publish the results on Thursday. 

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