Second Reform candidate reported for nomination paper query

Second Reform candidate reported for nomination paper query

A Royal Court hearing is due to be held this week to decide whether St Lawrence Deputy hopeful Sarah Westwater can proceed with her candidacy.

It comes just days after Marilyn Carré – a fellow Reform Jersey candidate – withdrew from the St Brelade Constable contest after being told her nominations form would be the subject of a Royal Court hearing.

Concerns were raised over whether Miss Carré’s proposer and nine seconders had been aware she was running as a Reform Jersey candidate as she had not fully filled out her party declaration before they had signed.

Her withdrawal paved the way for Mike Jackson to return to the seat he lost in 2011 as he was the only other candidate.

It is unclear whether a similar issue has been raised with regards to Ms Westwater’s candidacy or whether she intends to continue with her campaign.

Currently there are three candidates for two St Lawrence Deputy seats with Gregory Guida and Kirsten Morel lining up alongside Ms Westwater.

A spokesman for the Law Officer’s Department said: ‘A question has been raised in respect of the nomination paper of Sarah Westwater for the Deputy of St Lawrence election. A court ruling is required regarding the question and a hearing date has been set for the Royal Court on Thursday 26 April at 10 am.’

There was confusion on nominations night in the parish after it appeared that Ms Westwater may not have fully completed her declaration of previous criminal convictions.

After some delay, she was given a form by parish officials which she completed on the night.

Last week, the court decided not to reopen nominations for St Brelade Constable and declared Mr Jackson as ‘duly elected’.

The court ruled that they could not order a second nominations event under the Public Elections Law as the original had been held properly in accordance with the legislation.

Miss Carré would have been allowed to stand had her proposer and seconders attended court and confirmed they knew of her party membership before signing the form. However, she decided not to pursue this route and instead opted to withdraw.

Reform Jersey still have 18 candidates standing for election across the Island.

The special sitting of the Royal Court is due to be held on Thursday at 10 am to decide on the next steps and whether Ms Westwater’s forms are valid.

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