A FORMER politician who held several senior roles in government is plotting a political comeback after an eight-year absence.
Alan Maclean was first elected to the Assembly in 2005 and went on to hold both the Economic Development Minister and Treasury Minister positions. He stepped back from politics in 2018 and has since been working in the private sector.
He will be seeking one of the nine newly-restored Senatorial seats at June’s election.
Mr Maclean said his campaign would focus on clearer long-term planning and restoring confidence in Jersey’s future, having become “deeply concerned” about the rising cost of living and housing affordability.
Setting out his priorities should he be successful, Mr Maclean said that he would work with colleagues to ease pressure on household finances, seek to improve access to affordable housing for both tenants and homeowners, ensure government delivers better value for money and support economic growth by reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.
He said: “I have spent the past eight years in the private sector seeing first-hand the pressures many Islanders and businesses are under. Many households are feeling stretched – whether it is food, rent or mortgages, and everyday bills – and that needs to be addressed.
“I have also been encouraged by a number of people who feel that, at a time like this, those with experience and a proven track record should step forward.
“Jersey is at a crossroads; we are facing stiff competition and have been missing opportunities to grow the economy. Economic pressures are increasing, and we cannot afford to rely on the status quo or, worse, fall behind.
“This is not about dramatic promises. It is about steady, experienced leadership and making better decisions more quickly. Importantly, it is about teamwork.”
He said the government needs to work to “liberate” Islanders and businesses from “excessive and unnecessary bureaucracy” and to become more efficient by embracing technology.
“Put simply, we need a government that works as hard and efficiently as the taxpayers who pay for it,” he added. “Jersey has been a successful Island and a great place to live and work, but that cannot be taken for granted. Too many people feel that things are becoming harder, particularly when it comes to the cost of living and housing.
“At the same time, we need a clear long-term direction that incentivises businesses, supports and creates well paid jobs, encourages investment and, crucially, ensures that prosperity is shared more widely — a long-term vision that is actually delivered, and delivered quickly.”
Mr Maclean, who came fourth in the Islandwide poll the last time he stood for election in 2014, pointed to his previous achievements in the Assembly, including supporting the development of Digital Jersey and Jersey Business, and “maintaining strong financial reserves and spending discipline” during his time as Treasury Minister.
He is the 11th Senatorial candidate to declare for Sunday 7 June’s election. Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, External Relations Minister Ian Gorst, Treasury Minister Elaine Millar, Housing Minister Sam Mézec, Environment Minister Steve Luce, Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat, former Home Affairs Minister and Scrutiny Panel chair Deputy Helen Miles, former hospital director Bernard Place, former City of London political lead Sir Mark Boleat and Jersey’s netball icon Serena Kersten are also set to feature on the ballot.
