Ministerial portfolios: Candidates reveal what roles they hope to fill

Ministerial portfolios: Candidates reveal what roles they hope to fill

In 2014, current Chief Minister Ian Gorst was elected unopposed after a challenge expected from Senator Alan Maclean – who was eventually named Treasury Minister – never materialised.

However, Senator Gorst, who is seeking a third term as Chief Minister, could face a tough time holding on to the top job even if successful in the Senatorial election.

Senator Gorst and Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham announced their intentions to run for the Island’s top political post early in the campaign.

They have now been joined in the race for Chief Minister by Stevie Ocean – who confirmed his intention on Twitter last week.

And Deputies Simon Brée and John Le Fondré have also said that they would consider throwing their hats into the ring, depending on Wednesday’s results.

With six of the 11 current ministers not seeking re-election, there is going to be a raft of changes to the ministerial table.

Deputy Tracey Vallois has indicated that she would be interested in taking a role in either the Treasury, Education or Social Security departments, while Deputy Le Fondré has also suggested that he may look at either the Treasury or External Relations ministries should he be elected.

Senator Sarah Ferguson and Senatorial candidate Frank Luce have both said they would be interested in becoming the Health Minister. St Saviour Deputy nominee Mary O’Keeffe said that she would seek a ministerial or assistant minister’s post in either External Relations, Home Affairs or Health.

Home Affairs Minister Kristina Moore said she would be ‘happy to remain’ in her current position, as did Environment Minister Steve Luce – who was re-elected unopposed as St Martin’s Deputy. Political newcomer Ant Lewis said the new ministerial team should include an Equality Minister – a position for which he would put himself forward.

Deputy Judy Martin has said that the Housing, Social Security and Social Services portfolios should be combined under one ministry, which she would like to take on.

And long-serving Reform Jersey Deputies Geoff Southern and Montfort Tadier are both eyeing up ministerial posts – Deputy Southern in either Social Security or Treasury and Deputy Tadier for Housing.

St Helier No 2 Deputy candidate Barry Shelton and St Peter Deputy hopeful Sean Creavy have both suggested they may be suited to roles in the Treasury Department. Mr Creavy has also discussed the possibility of a position in Home Affairs – as has head of the Honorary Police Association Hugh Raymond, who is standing in Trinity.

Former Transport Minister Kevin Lewis has earmarked two potential positions – External Relations Minister or Home Affairs Minister.

The full list of ministers will be voted for by the newly elected Assembly, with the Chief Minister being able to put forward his preferred choices before the roles are opened up to other Members.

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