AFTER four years of representing Grouville and St Martin, a district Deputy and assistant minister has confirmed her intention to seek re-election – despite initially indicating she would step down.
Deputy Rose Binet became the third person to declare their candidacy in the two-parish district, after Deputy Carolyn Labey – who was first elected in Grouville in 2002 – and former Education Minister Scott Wickenden.
Following the change of government in January 2024, Deputy Binet was appointed as one of three Assistant Ministers supporting her brother Tom, who became Health Minister at the same time.
In the spring edition of the Grouville Gazette, Deputy Binet indicated that she would be stepping down from politics. In a brief note, she said: “As it is the last occasion I am able to contribute to the Grouville Gazette, I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you all in the States Chamber and also in government. It has been a real privilege.”
However, she has now confirmed her intention to seek re-election in the district she was first elected to in 2022.
Deputy Binet, in announcing her candidacy, said she had been involved in the reorganisation of the Health Department, including working with the project team for the new acute hospital at Overdale and the successful transfer of the Samares Rehabilitation Ward to St Ewold’s.
Other areas of focus during the current political term had included, she said, work to improve digital connectivity, overhaul the existing medicines law and develop plans for a new adult mental-health day centre and community hub at La Motte Street in St Helier.
In respect of her district work, Deputy Binet said: “Throughout this term I have endeavoured to represent parishioners’ interests and assist with individuals’ issues whenever possible.”
Born in Jersey and working in the agricultural industry until 2014, Deputy Rose Binet was co-founder and finance director of the Jersey Royal Company, as well as being co-founder and trustee of the charity Focus on Mental Illness.
Deputy Binet polled 1,481 votes in Grouville and St Martin in the 2022 election, behind Deputies Labey (1,981) and Steve Luce (1,616). All districts will elect one fewer Deputy this year following the move to restore the Island-wide role of Senator.
Confirmation that Deputy Binet had submitted her nomination papers came the day after her brother also announced that he was intending to seek re-election. Deputy Tom Binet, who is among the candidates for the nine Senatorial positions that are being restored to the next Assembly, has previously emphasised the value of his sister’s support and unseen work in Health.
