THE Chief Minister, who is poised to announce her preferred candidate for the role of Infrastructure Minister following the resignation of Deputy Tom Binet, said she was hopeful of retaining the support of the States Assembly when the no-confidence vote takes place on 16 January.
Asserting her wish to focus on “policies and priorities, not personalities and people”, Deputy Kristina Moore said there had been a number of “ups and downs” with Deputy Binet, who she said had not been prepared to compromise on issues where ministers might disagree with each other.
“We always had our ups and downs, but usually found a way through that,” she said. “Clearly the Christmas and new year break offered an opportunity to reflect and we respect the decision by Deputy Binet [to step away from government].
“It’s disappointing to be facing the vote but I hope to be able to successfully negotiate it and build a strong, committed team who can move forward.”
In a report outlining his reasons for bringing the motion on Tuesday afternoon, Deputy Binet criticised Deputy Moore’s style and quality of leadership and said the past 18 months had been a “depressing affair for many close to the centre of power”.
The Deputy confirmed that he would stand for Chief Minister if he won the motion.
In a statement released by the government, Deputy Moore said: “Deputy Tom Binet is a driven and committed Jerseyman. I nominated him as Infrastructure Minister because we need to get homes built and essential infrastructure renewed. However, we are also in a large coalition government and compromise is required.
“We are a diverse team around the table because we believe in listening and playing to people’s strengths.”
The Chief Minister said that she was pleased to have gained the support of the Assembly for a “strong” Government Plan just before Christmas, with the project for new hospital facilities being one of her highest priorities.
Although both Deputy Binet and Constable Andy Jehan, who resigned as Assistant Chief Minister in December, had questioned whether it was appropriate that Health Minister Karen Wilson remained in her role, Deputy Moore backed her ministerial colleague. Mr Jehan cited an “indefensible misuse of taxpayers money” within Health as a reason for his resignation and criticised Deputy Wilson’s “reluctance to endorse” the government’s hospital plans, while Deputy Binet this week described her attitude towards the new hospital as “shameful”.
Deputy Moore said: “I am assured the Health Minister is supportive of the hospital project. With any team, there’s usually a good way of achieving consensus, but Deputy Binet’s approach in that area was slightly different to mine.”
In addition to the hospital project, Deputy Moore said the government’s priorities included education, helping Islanders with financial challenges resulting from the rising cost of living, providing new homes and the recruitment and retention of staff.
The Chief Minister, who is currently in France and is due to return to Jersey on Saturday, confirmed she would nominate her preferred candidate for Infrastructure Minister today. She said she intended to put forward “a very able person who understands the Infrastructure portfolio”, and that the move was likely to involve a single appointment rather than a ministerial reshuffle.
She also announced that Constable Marcus Troy had been immediately appointed as Assistant Health Minister following the resignation of Deputy Rose Binet, one of those who backed the vote of no confidence brought by her brother.
