AND so to the polls. With the publication today of the 2025 Annual Report and Accounts, Jersey’s current government in effect now waits for the coming of the next administration at the end of June. Of course, essential business will continue, but as of Monday, we enter what is euphemistically termed “a period of political sensitivity”.
As noted before in these columns that absolutely does not mean that important decisions must wait, in fact the latitude given for essential activity is relatively broad: “Executive Members should…observe discretion during these periods and where possible postpone activity – except for where any postponement would be detrimental to the Island’s best interests or wasteful of resources.”
Clearly with the agreement currently unsigned with the main contractor for the new Overdale hospital, and the potential for support to be provided to alleviate the worst of the effects of war in the Middle East, that latitude might come in useful – both would clearly fall under the definition of being in the “Island’s best interests.”
The Government goes into that period with the publication of accounts which it says are the result of “prudent decision-making”, and communicate “stability and confidence”… “…these accounts demonstrate the continued progress we are making to maintain Jersey’s strong public finances, as confirmed by upholding our strong credit rating, while improving the delivery of essential services for Islanders.”
Islanders will decide whether they agree or not at the ballot box on the 7th June. Critics will point to the scale of the public sector, with the cost of providing services approaching £1.2bn, the size of public debt being contemplated at a similar number, an economy which is still wholly reliant on one sector, a health system which is in need of very substantial funding, and tax arrangements which seem to be gathering calls for reform.
Over the next few weeks, as the 2025 accounts are digested, detail will emerge to help voters decide which way they see it: is the Island in a relatively strong position, on the right track and well able to meet the clear challenges ahead; or, are fundamental reforms needed if Jersey is find the way through to confidence and sustainable prosperity?
With the exception of Health Minister Tom Binet, who hasn’t yet officially confirmed his intentions, all other current Ministers are standing for election once again, suggesting that they firmly believe their work over the last two years has contributed to the former position. It will be interesting to see if they hold ranks through the hurly burly of an election campaign, one which begins in earnest on Monday.
