Sport in limbo after Pallett quits government role

Sport in limbo after Pallett quits government role

Pallett quit as assistant minister for Economic Development and Health on Monday in order to back next week’s vote of no confidence in Chief Minister John Le Fondré, meaning sport and physical activity in Jersey is currently untended by the States Assembly.

However, the former St Ouen FC manager, who has held political responsibility for Island sport since 2014, says he will not be turning his back on clubs and organisations.

‘Clearly it is a passion in my life and I am not going to walk away from supporting the development of sport and sports infrastructure,’ he explained.

‘There are a lot of things currently in motion and somebody else will have to pick that up. Any change in leadership will mean a change in style and approach, so from my point of view I’ve just got to keep a close eye on what’s happening to make sure the momentum is not lost. I will now have to try and influence it in different ways.’

After over a year of consultation and deliberation, the government are due to release a sports facilities strategy to outline its plans for the next decade, with the status of Fort Regent set to take a central focus. Pallett said he hopes this week’s developments will not delay that report’s publication.

‘The biggest concern I have is ensuring the work to provide modern, fit for purpose public sports facilities keeps moving forward,’ he said.

Full story in Thursday’s JEP.

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