No plans for Value Jersey to become political party after election

CANDIDATES aligned with Value Jersey have insisted the controversial movement has no plans to register as a political party after polling day, as scrutiny over its funding and structure continues.

The Jersey Electoral Authority issued a statement on Friday distancing itself from claims that it had been “very satisfied” with meetings held with Value Jersey and indicating that matters relating to political movements were likely to be examined as part of its post-election review.

Questions were sent by the JEP to all nine candidates who have publicly endorsed Value Jersey policies.

Responses were received from Deputy candidates Robert Parker and Claire de Than, and Senatorial candidate Serena Kersten.

Both Mr Parker and Mrs Kersten rejected suggestions that Value Jersey was preparing to evolve into a political party after the election.

“Value Jersey is not going to become a party after the election,” said Mr Parker, who is standing in St Saviour.

Mrs Kersten confirmed: “Value Jersey does not intend to evolve into a party post-election.”

The Senatorial candidate said she continued to support the movement because Jersey faced “serious long-term challenges” including housing affordability, the cost of living and economic sustainability – but stressed that backing shared priorities did not mean surrendering independent judgment.

“I understand and believe Jersey’s political culture values independence, transparency and local accountability, and those values must remain central,” said Mrs Kersten.

“But seeking expertise and professional support should not be controversial, provided decisions remain firmly in the hands of Islanders and elected representatives remain fully accountable.”

Mr Parker said he had supported the political movement before it was publicly launched because he believed Jersey needed “a vision for the future”, and argued that the Island’s tax burden had fallen too heavily on middle-income earners.

“I think Value Jersey has done some much-needed excellent work, which I support,” he added.

However, neither candidate directly addressed questions about whether Value Jersey had been sufficiently transparent regarding its links to US consultancy The Messina Group or why details of payments to the consultancy had not yet been disclosed.

Instead, Mr Parker pointed to an unsuccessful proposition brought by Deputy Moz Scott earlier this year that would have required greater disclosure of political donations before elections.

He said he would have supported the measures and suggested they should be revisited by the next Assembly.

Mrs Kersten said: “Like all candidates, I will be submitting my election expenses in full.”

Meanwhile, Ms de Than challenged the premise of the inquiry, appearing to distance herself from the political movement.

“I have not publicly endorsed Value Jersey,” she said. “I have made it absolutely clear, repeatedly, that I am an independent candidate who supports their three published priorities: more cheaper choices, cutting government waste, and rebooting the local economy.”

She did not respond to questions about the Jersey Electoral Authority, whether Value Jersey would be registering as a party, or links to Messina.

The questions were also sent on Friday to Samantha Gleave, Judy Martin, Cameron Monro, Gabriel Raimondo, Phil Romeril and Gerald Voisin, who had not responded at the time of writing.