Jersey born and locally educated, I ran my own successful mixed farm business before entering politics in 2011. Now, after 15 years as a Parish Deputy, I’m running for the position of Senator because I really value the islandwide mandate. I believe that continuity in the States Assembly is vital, especially in these hugely challenging times, and I would hope (if elected) to continue in my current role as Environment Minister as Jersey needs to develop a new, stronger, more flexible and responsive Island Plan…one that works for all Islanders.
During the last few years, I’ve taken some important propositions through the States Assembly including, Rented Dwellings Licences (making rented dwellings better and safer for tenants), and a new Animal Welfare Law (better protecting all animals). I’ve successfully brought Marine Protected Areas into law (helping to safeguard fish stocks while keeping the fishing industry in business), and also getting the principle of reducing PFAS in our drinking water accepted. I delivered increases in vital funding for the farming and fishing sectors, and I’ve led a hugely successful programme of Planning Reform that has greatly improved the outcomes for everyone who submits planning applications.
Being Environment Minister is never easy, but I’ve not been afraid to take difficult decisions to improve life for Islanders, and do what I believe is best for Jersey. Many of the subjects I’ve had to deal with are extremely contentious…wind farms at sea, solar panels in fields, PFAS and water quality, carbon saving, continuing the import of petrol and diesel vehicles after 2030, marine protected areas, Nude Dunes, the Puffin Fence….the list goes on but I always try to find compromises that everyone can accept.
In the next Island Plan we need new policies that provide more Nursing and Retirement homes to help the ageing population, more zones for light industry to help diversify the economy and provide jobs, more affordable homes for young families, more green and open play spaces for our children and grandchildren, and compromises between saving energy and protecting listed buildings. We must do our bit to slow climate change and reduce carbon emissions, but we must do that in a way that’s affordable for all islanders.
We also need to improve our productivity…which is straining finances Islandwide, and making life less affordable for Jersey families. However, technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will create opportunities to find new and rewarding careers in both the private and public sector, and we must embrace them both with education and training to develop the necessary skills.
Our challenges ahead are not small, but we can, and will, meet them by working together with a positive and constructive approach.
Names of Proposers and Seconders
- Timothy Joseph Herbert
- Sarah Rosel Chamier
- Louise Sarah Ann Agnès
- Neil John Faudemer
- Anne Neal
- Robert John Perchard
- Ann Pallett
- Eliot Lincoln
- Alexa Georgina Blampied
- Philip Francis Le Maistre