A ST Helier and Reform Jersey Deputy has confirmed he will seek a second term in June’s election.
Deputy Tom Coles was first elected to the States in 2022, coming second in the poll behind party leader Deputy Sam Mézec in St Helier South. He will be standing in the same district.
He is currently vice-chair of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny panel and is a member of the Planning Committee.
As part of the 2026 Budget, Deputy Coles brought a successful amendment which called for those who downsize to receive a “stamp duty holiday”. Separately, he also brought a proposition to increase the the minimum space standards for one-bedroom flats.
He said: “I would like to say “thank you” to my constituents for letting represent you over the last 4 years.
“St Helier South has faced an ecliptic mix of challenges and I hope I have met your expectation in these moments. It has been an honour to support residents in challenges from housing to planning applications. Raising problems with departments, so that timely fixes or alternatives can found, such as the timed closure of school walking routes in St Helier rather than making them permanent.
“In the last four years I have started the discussions on some key subject areas that are still not completed. Areas like residential space standards, approved by the Assembly but not implemented by the minister, how we should treat cannabis in this modern era and the importance of regulating mental health professionals, such as psychotherapists and counsellors.
“I am running again not only to complete these tasks, but also to carry on the work to get Jersey to be an island that works for everyone.”
He becomes the first candidate to declare for St Helier South, where there will be three seats on offer. Sitting district Deputies Mézec and David Warr will be standing for Senator and St Helier Constable respectively.
Deputy Mézec said – “Tom has been an excellent States Member. As one of the ministers he has scrutinised in this term, I can testify to how thorough and fearless he has been at this task! His eye for detail and ability to think outside the box to find solutions are very valuable skills in politics.”
