THERE will be a contested Constable election in St Helier after a former Education Minister confirmed her candidacy.
Deputy Inna Gardiner has served as a parish Deputy since 2019 and is currently chair of the States spending watchdog, the Public Accounts Committee.
Sitting Constable Simon Crowcroft has announced that he will be stepping down at the end of this current term after holding the position since 2001. St Helier Deputy and former Housing Minister David Warr has already stated his intention to stand for the seat.
Deputy Gardiner said: “My family and I live in St Helier, and I have been proud to represent our parish for the past seven years. I bring over 25 years of leadership experience in business and public life – including as minister, president of the Scrutiny Liaison Committee and chair of the Public Accounts Committee.
“Our town is the heart of Jersey. It must serve every generation – young families, teenagers, first-time buyers, older residents and the businesses that sustain our economy. We have an opportunity to strengthen community life, improve connectivity and modernise how the parish operates. I am ready to lead that next chapter.”
Deputy Gardiner has said that, if elected, she would focus on improving green spaces, youth provision, Waterfront connectivity and parish-led housing schemes and she will be holding a series of drop-in sessions to speak to parishioners to help shape her manifesto.
“These ideas reflect my record and I am inviting parishioners to challenge, support or reshape these ideas. Tell me what works. Tell me what does not. Tell me what is missing. My manifesto will be stronger if it is shaped together,” she continued.
During the 2026 Budget debate, Deputy Gardiner brought a successful amendment to secure £500,000 over three years for neighbourhood improvement schemes in the parish.
“The funding is there,” she said. “Now the important question is how we use it. My record shows I focus on delivery. But delivery must evolve with the needs of the parish.”
Discussing her aim for the future of St Helier, she added: “To ensure St Helier is a place where people feel connected – to their neighbours, to their green spaces, to their parish and to the wider Island.
“St Helier must be a place where children grow, teenagers belong, young professionals build their future, families put down roots, older residents remain valued and businesses are thriving. That future is ours to shape – together.”
