BBC says it will cover independent candidates in Jersey's election

Senator Kristina Moore Picture: ROB CURRIE. (33340702)

ANY suggestion that the BBC will not be covering independent candidates in the run-up to the June general election is ‘wrong’, according to the corporation.

The BBC was responding to concerns raised in a letter sent to the Jersey Electoral Authority, ITV and BBC by a group of 25 independent candidates. It was signed by several government ministers and sitting States Members.

The letter claimed that UK OFCOM rules meant that BBC and ITV were ‘planning to focus only on political parties and their leaders during the election period’, something they said would exclude them.

A BBC spokesperson said: ‘Any suggestion we will not be covering independent candidates is wrong. We will be featuring every candidate in our coverage across the BBC – whatever their affiliations – and everyone will be asked to take part in our election call programmes in the run-up to the poll.’

The spokesperson confirmed that they had also written to Senator Kristina Moore, who signed the letter, with assurances that they would be covering every candidate, ‘whatever their affiliation’.

‘Although there have been elections in Jersey with political parties over many years, the majority of candidates in past elections have been overwhelmingly independents. Those who have gone on to be elected have also historically been independents, whether Senators, Deputies or Constables,’ the letter stated. ‘Put simply, Jersey is an island that values independent thought, action and ideas. There are dozens of independent candidates across the Island who will play a prominent role in the election and have the potential to form the next government.’

ITV was also contacted for comment.

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