I am standing again as a candidate for Deputy in St Saviour in this election because I believe that the skills and abilities that I have gathered throughout my time in the Assembly will place me in good stead to continue to make a difference.

Since being elected in 2022 I was able to remain on the executive through the change of government in 2024 and have most recently served as Assistant Chief Minister and the vice-chair of the States Employment Board where I have been closely involved in cross‑government coordination, workforce issues and long‑term strategic planning. As Assistant Minister for Children and Families, I have worked to improve support for young people, enhance safeguarding, and ensure that families can access the services they need without unnecessary barriers. My role as Assistant Minister for Sustainable Economic Development has allowed me to contribute to policies that support businesses, encourage innovation, and promote a resilient economy.

Throughout my political career, I have stayed true to the values that guided me before I entered the Assembly: I still draw on my experience at Citizens Advice, where I learned that behind every policy debate are real people trying to navigate challenges.

Parish affairs have always been at the heart of my work and as well as attending virtually all the parish meetings, I have served on the Parish Accounts Committee which has given me a unique insight into the running of the parish. Consequently, I have been able to extend this influence by recommending fair rates increases that have balanced the need to meet parish expenditure against shielding parishioners from the increasing cost of living.

Achievements

  • I have led on developing a new youth facility in Ann Street, this project is now well advanced and will serve children and young people in St Helier and St Saviour when it opens its doors in mid-2028.
  • I have been part of the ministerial group which is actively seeking to understand online harms legislation with a view to introducing online safety protections for children and vulnerable people.
  • Introduced Jersey’s first Play Plan, promoting and providing opportunities for all children and young people in Jersey to fulfil their ‘right to play’ across the Island.
  • Sourced funding to allow the Centrepoint child contact centre to continue with its great work.
  • Amended legislation to ensure that an increase in maximum awards at the Employment Tribunal was aligned to the jurisdiction of the Petty Debts Court rather than using an arbitrary figure as was originally proposed.
  • Produced an interim report and final review recommendations for the Freedom of Information legislation to widen the scope of the law, bring it up-to-date and ultimately to enhance accessibility to public information.

Names of Proposers and Seconders

  1. Patricia Alida Winchester
  2. Kate Louise Morel
  3. Pamela Ann Snood
  4. Guy Anthony Thorne-Booth
  5. Denise Rose Jacklin
  6. Sharon Margaret Ellis
  7. Helene Boudin
  8. Patricia Marie Blandin
  9. Ian Graham Blandin
  10. John Philip (Jim) Hopley MBE