CHIEF Minister-designate Lyndon Farnham has suggested there could be roles for Reform Jersey in Social Security, Housing, Education and Economy within the Island’s new government.
Although not guaranteeing ministerial nominations – referring instead to “some presence in the ministries where social issues are most prevalent” – Deputy Farnham said there was a need, particularly in relation to the social challenges the Island faced, “to pool our talents to find solutions that will quickly and positively impact on those in Jersey who are struggling”.
Due to officially become the Island’s next Chief Minister on Thursday, Deputy Farnham has until Monday to submit his nominations for ministerial roles, the first stage in creating an administration to replace the one led by his deposed predecessor Deputy Kristina Moore.
Deputy Farnham said he suspected that there could be contested elections for some of those positions, with States Members proposing alternatives, “given the state of the Assembly at the moment”. Housing Minister David Warr has indicated that he will put himself forward for the same role as an independent.
So far, Deputy Farnham has only confirmed that he will propose Deputy Tom Binet as Health Minister for a role that will also now include responsibility for the hospital development.
Deputy Farnham said it had been “refreshing”, ahead of his selection as Chief Minister, to have conversations with his fellow candidates – Deputies Ian Gorst and Sam Mézec – without attached conditions but he acknowledged a commitment to discuss opportunities for Reform Jersey with party leader Deputy Mézec. The party’s support was ultimately crucial to his election after he trailed Deputy Gorst in the first ballot.
Although seeking a more “consensual” government, he said: “Being realistic, I’m not expecting to produce a totally united States Assembly.
“We are here because many of us have different views and opinions. In relation to Reform Jersey, there are many of their policies that I could not support, just as there are many of my policies they would have difficulty supporting,” he said. “I would envisage Reform Jersey having some presence in the ministries where social issues are most prevalent – that includes Social Security, Housing, Education and Economy – but, as I’ve said, I’m going to be sitting down with Deputy Mézec and discussing with him how they might be willing to contribute.”
Describing the likely composition of the ministerial portfolio he will propose on Tuesday, he said he hoped the new government would be “some of the old, a bit more of the new and [with] some input from Reform Jersey”.
