DEPUTY Kristina Moore is in her final days as Chief Minister after losing a vote of no confidence yesterday.
Now the dust has settled, attention is turning to who may replace her. There are likely to be several candidates, including Deputy Tom Binet, who lodged the motion to oust Deputy Moore, and Reform Jersey leader Sam Mézec, who have both declared they will stand.
Deputy Moore has publicly backed Treasury Minister Ian Gorst.
Here’s what happens next:
*Any candidates intending to stand for Chief Minister must declare and put forward their strategic vision for the Island by 5pm today (Wednesday).
*They must have at least six Members backing them.
*The Chief Minister must be elected within seven clear working days, which means by Thursday at the latest.
*During a special States sitting, candidates will make a statement lasting up to ten minutes and face up to one hour of questions from other Members. This will happen even if there is only one candidate.
*If only one Member has put themselves forward, that person will take the top job without a vote. If there is more than one candidate, the Assembly chooses. Members choose by recorded vote so it is possible to see who has voted for each candidate.
*Whoever wins will be elected as Chief Minister-designate. They are not officially Chief Minister until all ministers have been elected.
*At the next States sitting, the Chief Minister-designate will put forward their chosen candidates for the ministerial positions. Other Members can also put themselves forward. Each candidate will make a statement lasting up to ten minutes and face questions for up to 20 minutes.
*If there is only one candidate, they will take up the ministerial position without a vote. If there is more than one candidate, it will go to the Assembly. It is therefore possible for the House to choose someone as minister whom the Chief Minister designate did not want.
*When all ministers have been chosen, the Council of Ministers is officially formed. It is at that point that the Member chosen as Chief Minister officially takes up the position.
*The Chief Minister must then choose a Deputy Chief Minister from the new ministerial team and inform the Assembly of the decision. The Deputy Chief Minister acts as Chief Minister when the Chief Minister is absent or incapacitated.
