CHIEF Minister-designate Kristina Moore never discussed any potential ministerial posts with Reform Jersey before she announced her preferred team, the party has said.
However, Deputy Moore, who triumphed over party leader Deputy Sam Mézec in the two-horse battle for the top job, said she had been ‘trying to call’ but had been unable to reach the St Helier representative.
Earlier this week, the Chief Minister-designate announced her slate of ministerial picks, which features six newcomers to the States and a balance of men and women.
In a statement, Reform Jersey said: ‘Throughout the election campaign and since then, Reform Jersey has made it clear that we were willing to play a role in government whether we were leading it or not.
‘Our party leader, Deputy Sam Mézec, has publicly stated in media interviews that he would be willing to serve in a role other than Chief Minister, and that our members would seek to serve wherever they can be most effective.
‘Since the Chief Minister-designate was elected by the States Assembly on Tuesday, no dialogue to actively explore options for serving in government has taken place between the Chief Minister-designate and members of Reform Jersey’s parliamentary party, despite Reform Jersey members making it clear that they are willing to work collaboratively.
‘We respect the decision made by the States Assembly, which gave Deputy Moore as Chief Minister-designate the right to nominate her preferred slate of ministers. The States Assembly will have the opportunity to confirm or amend this next week.
‘We will continue to work constructively in the States Assembly towards the best outcomes for our constituents and the Island. Reform Jersey members were elected on the basis of a clear manifesto based on equality, sustainability and accountability. We will pursue the pledges made in this, in whatever roles we now take in the Assembly.’
Deputy Moore, speaking to the JEP before Reform Jersey issued its statement, said that she remained hopeful of working with the party and that she and Deputy Mézec had developed ‘good working relations’ during their time spent on Scrutiny.
When asked whether she had had the chance to speak to Reform Jersey between the Chief Minister election on Tuesday and announcing her ministerial team the following day, Deputy Moore said: ‘Sadly not in that time period.
‘I have been trying to call him [Deputy Mézec] – last week as well – but haven’t had a response.
‘It is a shame. I understand they have to decide how they want to work and represent their constituents in the Assembly.
‘We will see how things go and my phone is there.
‘We do have good working relations and so we will work on the basis that this is a consensus-building Chamber.
‘I appreciate their voice and will engage with them openly.’
