I am standing as an independent candidate for Senator and, if elected, wish to continue as Minister for External Relations with responsibility for Financial Services, standing up for Jersey’s interests in the UK, Europe, and further afield, ensuring that our voice is heard on the international stage. I have built strong relationships with other Governments, and have supported the financial services, agriculture, dairy, digital, and creative industries to grow and find new markets.
In an increasingly uncertain world, it is important that Jersey remains stable, confident, and unified. I have a record of supporting islanders from all backgrounds. In these challenging times, I offer calm and serious leadership.
As an Island, our prosperity depends significantly on a successful financial services sector – supporting thousands of local jobs and generating tax revenue which funds our key public services. Over the next four years, I want to drive forward our competitiveness programme – which I launched in March – to grow our economy, embrace innovation, and improve productivity.
We must also exercise restraint in public spending and the size of government. In recent years, overall spending has increased at an unsustainable rate, outgrowing the private sector, and debt has continued to rise. This cannot continue. The public sector, which includes so many talented and committed people, should be empowered to drive the efficiencies which are common in the private and voluntary sectors, and focus on delivering improved front-line services.
Government needs to be an enabler for growth, supporting businesses and charities, and should stop trying to intervene in every aspect of our lives.
As a community, we face a number of challenges, most notably the cost of living. I favour a freeze in fuel duty, and temporary cuts if global events lead to longer-term price increases. We must avoid new regulatory burdens which increase the cost of business, and ensure that government decisions do not place greater pressures on family budgets.
I oversaw the creation of Andium Homes and fully support their work to modernise social housing and deliver new affordable homes. We must also work with private developers to enable new developments, especially on brownfield sites.
I have consistently campaigned to protect our environment and coastline. I oppose the large-scale use of green fields for solar panels. I want to enhance our Coastal National Park and protect the Green Zone. Equally, we must invest in St Helier neighbourhoods to improve town living.
I support continued investment in health, education, children’s services, and the emergency services. It is vital that we enable everyone in Jersey to lead healthy, safe, and successful lives.
If elected, I will be a strong voice for Jersey locally and internationally.
Please vote Ian Gorst for Senator on 7th June.
Contact: iangorst@gmail.com
Names of Proposers and Seconders
- Jonathan Paul Speck
- Nigel Anthony Le Quesne
- Paul Routier
- Enid Clare Quenault
- Kevin Charles Keen
- Jennifer Mary Geddes
- Henry Dzidziehyo Kwaku Baye
- Siobhan Frances Anne Stegenwalner
- Kenneth Priaulx Vibert
- Stephanie Cushing