A RETIRED banker from St Brelade has been elected as the Island’s new Jurat – winning by one vote.
Donald Christopher Gardener received 37 votes in an Electoral College held on Thursday, narrowly beating retired advocate Julian Gollop who received 36 votes.
Mr Gardener was previously the head of funds at Barclays bank and is a real estate lending specialist. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Jurat Steven William Austin-Vautier.
A Jurat is one of the oldest and most important judicial roles in Jersey, dating back to the 1300s.
The Electoral College comprises the Bailiff and other members of the Royal Court as well as elected States Members.
Jurats work with the court judge to determine sentences. Jurats also hold the power to determine verdicts.
In addition, they deal with matters like granting or refusing bail applications, constitute Jersey’s Licensing Assembly and oversee elections as returning officers among other civil and legal responsibilities.
