A FORMER Health Minister is to seek re-election as St Clement Deputy.
Karen Wilson was a first-time candidate when she stood successfully in 2022.
An experienced healthcare leader, she was subsequently appointed as Health Minister as part of Deputy Kristina Moore’s government. She has served as vice-chair of the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel and as a member of the Public Accounts Committee and Hospital Review Panel.
Announcing her candidacy, she said: “I am standing as an independent because St Clement is my home, and I want to contribute to the community that has given us so much. Over the past five years, we have built our lives here and experienced first-hand the strength, vibrancy and spirit of this parish.
“In my professional life I was a director of nursing and have always been focused on helping people. I want to continue bringing that same approach in this election.
“Across St Clement, people are telling me the same things. They are worried for what the future holds and concerned that issues like the cost of living, housing conditions and the availability of care and support in later life have not improved under this government. They want practical solutions for the practical issues they face today and hope for a better future.”
She added that the cost-of-living crisis is “putting strain on families” and that, in many cases, “housing conditions are not good enough”. She said that the government had not done invested enough in St Clement or prioritised the wellbeing of parishioners.
“This community is growing and we need a bigger share of the cake to make sure this community thrives and flourishes just like others have,” she said.
“If elected I will focus on improving housing standards and facilities for the young, supporting those facing rising costs, controlling expenditure and working with the community to make it safer, healthier and more sustainable. l am not standing on a party platform — I am standing to represent local people and to ensure their voices are heard clearly and acted upon.”
“Good representation starts with listening. As an independent, I will be accessible, accountable, and focused on what matters most to parishioners and to islanders more generally on the wider issues affecting their daily lives.”
Deputy Wilson becomes the second person to declare for one of the three St Clement Deputy seats on offer, after Deputy Barbara Ward. Deputy Alex Curtis is yet to announce his election plans while Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache will be retiring from politics.
