Marilyn Carré – who was one of 19 candidates put forward by the party – was today due to appear before the Royal Court for alleged breaches of the Public Elections Law.
The development has paved the way for former St Brelade Constable Mike Jackson – the only other candidate standing for the position – to take back the seat he lost in 2011.
In a statement, a spokesman for Reform Jersey said the alleged breach related to Ms Carré not completing her party declaration on her nomination before the ten nominators had signed it.
However, he said that everyone who signed the form was aware that Ms Carré was representing the party, and described the error as an ‘honest mistake’.
He added: ‘Ms Carré decided to run for election as Constable of St Brelade just two days prior to the nomination deadline. She was assisted by Reform Jersey to complete her nomination form to enable her candidacy.
‘At several points during these two days, Ms Carré or a representative on her behalf, attended St Brelade’s Parish Hall to present her nomination form to ask for confirmation that those who had signed it were eligible to do so and that she had the correct details filled in.
‘At no point during this time did any member of staff at the parish hall express any concern at her nomination paper, except for one incorrect address which was then quickly corrected.’
The party spokesman added that Ms Carré’s nomination form was accepted without issue by parish authorities on nomination night.
However, he added that last Friday the St Brelade resident received notice from the Deputy Viscount’s Department warning her to appear before the Royal Court, and claimed that it was the parish secretary who had made the complaint.
He said: ‘It was claimed that her personal details and the party declaration on her nomination form had not been fully completed before the ten nominators had signed her form – though photographic evidence clearly shows that both sections had been partially completed.
‘This was an honest mistake on the part of Ms Carré and Reform Jersey, who were rushing to complete the form in a short period of time.’
The party also criticised the guidance notes on the election form and claimed they made no reference to the order in which each section must be completed and that Ms Carré, a former probation officer, had specifically attended the parish hall to make sure that she had completed the form properly.
‘Court proceedings were initiated because of an innocent administration error, which nobody has complained about and which makes no material difference to the election.
‘We are disappointed that this has been handled in such a heavy-handed way. It is regrettable that rather than attempt to investigate the matter further or contact Ms Carré to inform her of her belated discovery of this discrepancy, the parish secretary of St Brelade instead chose to contact the Royal Court as the first port of call.’
As a result of the action being taken, Reform Jersey has announced that Ms Carré has chosen not to stand for the position as she faces the prospect of being forced through a stressful and upsetting court hearing and feels that she can no longer contest the election.
The spokesman added: ‘Reform Jersey completely supports Ms Carré’s decision and are extremely sorry that she has been put through this.’
At the time of publication, it was not clear whether Mr Jackson had been automatically elected or whether another nominations night could be ordered. The only other contested election for Constable is in St Mary.
Angela Hickinbottom, St Brelade parish secretary, said: ‘We noticed a discrepancy on the nomination document on the nominations evening. It is our responsibility to report that to our Jurat which we did. The law required that it was passed on to the AG.
‘We have to follow due process, which is what we did. Unfortunately, it led to Marilyn handing in her withdrawal.’
