A FORMER Environment Minister has joined the Island’s biggest political party and is set to stand in St Brelade.
John Young was first elected to the States in 2011 as a Deputy before losing out in the 2014 Senatorial election. He returned to the Assembly in 2018 and served as part of then-Chief Minister John Le Fondré’s government – successfully bringing the Bridging Island Plan to the Assembly in 2022.
Mr Young stepped down from politics four years ago but has since joined Reform Jersey.
He said: “During my two terms as an independent States Member, my experiences showed me how ministerial government requires political parties to work properly. Greater party representation provides clearer policy choices for voters and cross‑party coalitions can enable the States to make faster and more effective policy delivery. More action and less words.
“Over the past ten years, the Reform Jersey party has ably demonstrated its credentials as Jersey’s social-democratic party. It has shown the benefits of working effectively with the States and ministers. It has successfully led three government ministries – housing, social security and education – delivering real improvements for Islanders. The party has sought for consensus in government, played a strong role in scrutiny, and its members have been exemplary, growing in stature and leading debate on important social issues.”
Originally an accountant, Mr Young has previously been a senior civil servant, working as a planning officer and chief executive of the Planning and Environment Department. He has also been chairman of the Jersey Arts Centre, trustee for the Shelter Trust and a member of the management committee of Les Amis.
He added: “Jersey now faces serious economic challenges, driven by factors such as Brexit and global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Relying on past success and the status quo is no longer sufficient. The focus must shift to improving quality of life and wellbeing across all aspects of our community, not just finance.
“Reform Jersey has already made a significant contribution and has the potential to do much more. I am pleased to have my candidacy accepted and to offer my experience in service of my St Brelade and the Island.”
Welcoming Mr Young to Reform Jersey, party leader Sam Mézec said: “I am absolutely delighted that John has joined Reform Jersey and decided to stand for election with us in his home parish of St Brelade.
“We share a commitment to social and economic justice and a strong sense of pragmatism, when it comes to getting things done. John did much of the groundwork for strengthening protections for those who live in rented housing, introducing better standards and campaigning for greater security of tenure, often in the face of strong opposition.
“As a ‘broad church’ party, we welcome political talent from a broad range of backgrounds, and we are delighted to see John seeking to make a return to the political arena with our party to help move the Island forward over the next four years.”
Islanders will head to the polls on Sunday 7 June. Current St Brelade Deputy Jonathan Renouf is the only other candidate to declare for one of the three parish Deputy seats so far.
