THE Home Affairs Minister will give up her St Helier Deputy seat in order to stand in the Senatorial election.
Deputy Mary Le Hegarat was first elected to the Assembly in 2018, before being returned once again in 2022.
She became Home Affairs Minister in 2024 having previously served as chair of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel during her first term, and subsequently as a member of the Privileges and Procedures Committee and the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure panel.
Declaring herself for the Senatorial election, Deputy Le Hegerat said: “It has been an honour to serve the people of St Helier North and contribute to strengthening Jersey’s justice system. The reforms recently introduced during my time as Minister for Justice and Home Affairs will deliver long-term improvements to public safety, fairness and confidence in our institutions.
“My view is that our financial services industry remains vital to Jersey’s prosperity. The revenue funds essential public services and support a wide range of livelihoods across the Island. I am similarly committed to supporting our agricultural sector, local retail and hospitality industries – all of which contribute to our diverse and resilient economy.”
The Senatorial seats are returning in June having been scrapped before the 2022 election. There will be nine Islandwide seats on offer, with Deputy Le Hegarat becoming the sixth minister to confirm she will be seeking one, after Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, Treasury Minister Elaine Millar, External Relations Minister Ian Gorst, Environment Minister Steve Luce and Housing Minister Sam Mézec. Former Home Affairs Minister Deputy Helen Miles has also declared for Senator.
Deputy Le Hegarat said that Jersey must take a “strategic long-term approach” to government spending and that the tax framework should remain “fair, stable and encouraging of enterprise and personal financial security”, adding that the current rate of income tax should be retained and that she does not believe capital gains or inheritance tax to be “appropriate”.
“If re-elected, I will continue to focus on supporting our economic sectors, investing responsibly in the future of our island, and ensuring that government remains accountable for the way it uses public funds”, she continued.
“My focus has always been on practical, balanced solutions that support working families, strengthen the economy and protect Jersey’s long-term interest – all while working constructively with colleagues and Islanders on the issues that matter.
“I look forward to engaging with Islanders in the weeks ahead and seeking their support to continue representing our community.”
The election will be held on Sunday 7 June.
