MULTIPLE proposals for changing the make-up of the States Assembly are set to be debated as politicians gather for this week’s sitting.
Starting at 9.30am tomorrow, the agenda will be dominated by electoral reform and the potential return of Senators, but also includes debates on a national day for Jersey and political engagement, plus the usual questions to ministers.
Treasury Minister Elaine Millar, acting in a private capacity, began the ball rolling in early January when she lodged a proposition to cut nine Deputy positions from the 49-seat Chamber at the time of next year’s election and replace them with nine Senators, elected on an Island-wide basis.
The proposal has attracted a raft of amendments. Deputy Tom Coles will propose a different system that would end the automatic right of the parish Constables to sit in the States Assembly, with 12 Senatorial positions introduced instead.
Deputy Kristina Moore has lodged two proposals to trim the number of Senators slightly, with those elected as Island-wide representatives earning larger salaries and being assigned ministerial roles.
Other strands of the debate will include the potential introduction of an independent boundaries commission, proposed by Deputy Sam Mézec and the restoration of earlier elections for Senators.
While the changes are all proposed for 2026, the Privileges and Procedure
Committee wants to put the brakes on and postpone any reforms until the 2030 election.
International Development Minister Carolyn Labey will propose formalising Liberation Day as Jersey’s national day, with Deputy Tadier seeking support for two such days: 9 May and the anniversary of the Corn Riots on 28 September, as well as the adoption of Man Bieau P’tit Jèrri (Beautiful Jersey) as an official anthem.
Deputy Max Andrews will seek support for his proposition to bring in a timetable of political education visits to schools to be undertaken by Members of the Assembly, to commence from September 2025.
Ministers are expected to argue that such visits already take place, making Deputy Andrews’ move unnecessary.
The order paper includes 21 oral questions, on topics including the ongoing response to the effects of toxic chemical PFAS, Fort Regent, planning guidance and staffing challenges in both healthcare and education.
A series of appointments to panels and committees will also be considered, while Environment Minister Steve Luce, External Relations Minister Ian Gorst and Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham will face questions without notice.
