A MEMBER of Jersey’s largest political party is calling for all “movements, collaborations or campaigns” fielding candidates in next year’s election to declare key organisational details – including where their funding comes from.
Deputy Rob Ward, of Reform Jersey, is also pushing for legislative changes to be brought forward within the next two years that would require political groups to formally register as political parties.
The move has faced an immediate backlash from self-described movement Value Jersey, launched earlier this year, which has claimed the proposal is “merely a sign that some Assembly members have been spooked by the success of Value Jersey”.
Outlining the reason for his proposition, Deputy Ward said: “Currently, if a group of political allies work, campaign and develop a manifesto or appear on leaflets and posters together, there is no requirement for them to meet the level of transparency that is compulsory for political parties.
“Equally concerning is the lack of any requirement to detail who is funding a group before the election.
“It would be sensible for us to look closely at this area before our coming election.”
The Education Minister’s proposition would, if approved, ask the Jersey Electoral Authority to produce a “voluntary code of practice” in consultation with the Privileges and Procedures Committee for “all political groups that are standing candidates for the 2026 election”.
In the report accompanying his proposal, Deputy Ward explained that the code would require all political groups “who declare a shared political agenda”, including “movements, collaborations or campaigns”, to publish a range of key organisational details.
This would include information about their policies, funding sources, and decision-making structures.
Deputy Ward contended that a voluntary code “enables all involved to pro-actively declare the elements included”, describing this as “a positive move for transparency for the electorate”.
His proposition also calls for the JEA and PPC to work on legislative changes – to be brought before the Assembly for approval before the end of January 2028 – to require political groups to register under the Political Parties (Registration) (Jersey) Law 2008.
He noted that the law includes a number of requirements relating to a political party’s registration, officeholders and financial accountability, among other criteria.
“These rules are a lynchpin of transparency for political groups,” Deputy Ward continued.
“However, currently, if a group of political allies work, campaign and develop a manifesto or appear on leaflets or posters together, there is no requirement for any level of transparency.”
Deputy Ward also highlighted “the lack of any requirement to detail who is funding a group before the election”.
“With recent stories from around the world of external influence, it would be sensible for us to look closely at this area before our coming election,” he continued.
“Jersey seems to not be subject to this type of interference, and we need to keep it that way.
“I recognise the time constraints for legislative change. I therefore suggest a voluntary public registration in the first case. Then legislative change can be undertaken in the
next Assembly.”
He added that there had been a growth in political parties in Jersey with “mixed success” as well as groups who propose “collective working without the requirements to register as a political party”.
But in a statement, Value Jersey hit out at the minister’s proposition, arguing that it “seems to have been put together on the back of a fag packet in a shambolic rush”.
On Wednesday – the third day of the Budget debate – members of Value Jersey stacked 200 cans of baked beans outside the States Chamber to represent what they deemed as the government “kicking the can down the road” with its financial proposals.
A spokesperson for the movement said: “Value Jersey put a couple of cans outside the States and already Assembly Members have got their knickers in a twist.”
“It just shows they’re spooked by the immediate impact Value Jersey has had since its recent launch,” the statement added.
It went on to contend that “freedom of association is a core democratic right” and that “imposing restrictions” on informal groups would deter “grassroots organisation”.
“Especially for issue-based campaigns, charities, civil society, womenʼs organisations, and minority groups,” it continued.
“Jerseyʼs political system is broken. We have to find a way to encourage collaboration on the big issues whilst respecting Jerseyʼs proud independent tradition.
“Value Jersey was set up to bring the Island together to address our most pressing challenge: making Jersey more affordable. We are trying to give a voice to the unheard, who are struggling with rising prices and watching their hard earned taxes being flushed down the loo.”
It added: “Our team is expanding by the day and weʼve got real experts working together
to develop a plan for Jersey.
“We look forward to sharing our work in 2026.ˮ
