SENIOR members of the government have rallied around Chief Minister Kristina Moore ahead of a looming vote of no confidence next week.
Pressure is mounting on States Members to pick a side before a key debate on 16 January, after former Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet lodged a proposition asking the Island’s politicians to consider removing Deputy Moore from her role.
In a report accompanying his motion, Deputy Binet labelled the past 18 months a “depressing affair for many close to the centre of power” and claimed that the Council of Ministers was “fractured”.
However, when contacted this week, ministers told the JEP they remained fully behind their Chief Minister.
Social Security Minister Elaine Millar said the “disruption to our government” caused by the vote was “not acceptable”, adding: “I would like to continue with it uninterrupted.”
Deputy Millar said: “I will be supporting the Chief Minister, because we have a very strong Council of Ministers. We’ve done an awful lot already, despite no one seeming to recognise it, and are planning to do even more in future.”
Education Minister Inna Gardiner also told the JEP that she was behind Deputy Moore.
External Relations Minister Philip Ozouf shared a Whatsapp message he had sent to the Council of Ministers before the vote was lodged.
“I was anticipating that 2024 would have some challenges of this kind, and I find it as a matter of deep regret that we do now find ourselves in this position,” he explained.
The message read: “I have no doubt that by continuing to work together under the leadership of the Chief Minister, we can deliver Islanders’ dreams and our dreams and the Island will be better through our collective endeavours.”
Deputy Ozouf, who is a long-time friend of Deputy Moore, added that it was “upsetting” to see that “there is still misogyny at work in politics”, saying: “The Chief Minister has suffered from some allegations that would not be made against a man. I continue to support her because she’s the best for the job.”
Housing Minister David Warr also said that he “absolutely” and “100%” supported Deputy Moore.
The newest addition to the Council of Ministers, St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft, also threw his full support behind Deputy Moore.
And Assistant Chief Minister Lucy Stephenson voiced strong support for the Chief Minister and her council, saying: “Although the next two weeks may be difficult and uncomfortable I am hopeful that after the VONC debate, the Council of Ministers will be able to move forward in a more positive, productive way.”
