WOMEN in political life are calling for parishes to work harder to encourage Islanders of all genders and from all walks of life to stand for election.
Kate Wright, local campaigner and HR consultant, has said she would like to see a woman standing for Constable in every parish at the 2026 election.
Meanwhile, the organisers behind Democracy Week – which ended on Sunday – and campaign manager for vote.je’s Plan to Stand initiative, Emily Thomas, said there was more work than ever under way to promote elections and roles in the States Assembly but “it may well be” that parishes “choose to do more on their end” as well.
Deputy Montfort Tadier kick-started this wider conversation about the accessibility of parish politics last month when his written question to the chair of the Constables’ Committee revealed that all five members of the St Clement, St Ouen, St Peter, St Saviour, and Trinity roads committees were male – and two elected members are women out of a total of 36 available road committee positions in Jersey.
Other women came forward to share their stories about the difficulties of standing when parishes are only legally required to give three-days’ notice about upcoming elections.
Constables have been resistant to admit that change was needed, insisting that these were public elections and anyone could stand for them.
But Mrs Wright said Deputy Tadier’s question was “really important”, adding: “It showed the lack of diversity and the perception of an old-boys’ club that exists currently and exposed the fact that a lot of men stand uncontested for these elections.
“Wouldn’t it be great if there was a genuine choice when you head to the ballot box?” she asked.
Mrs Wright continued: “Something I would be interested in spearheading ahead of the next election is to try to enable a woman to stand for constable in every parish. That’s a big aspiration, but we need to look at making grassroots politics, parish committees, and being a Constable more accessible.
“If you can include more women in grassroots politics, and make them feel welcomed and involved at the parish level, that will feed through to the States Assembly because you’re exposed to the system far more and your confidence to stand grows,” she said.
