Senator John Le Fondré faced criticism from some Members after signing the deal with the Island’s only political party in exchange for their five votes for the Chief Minister position.
The agreement outlines a series of shared policy objectives and includes an arrangement to review the tax and social security contributions systems with the aim to increase the minimum wage towards £10 per hour. It also states that Reform Jersey members would not be required to vote with the Council of Ministers if policy proposals went against their manifesto.
Senator Le Fondré said that ‘with the benefit of hindsight’ he should have mentioned the agreement after being questioned on what deals he had made before Monday’s Chief Minister debate by Deputy Mike Higgins.
He offered an apology to any Member who may have felt misled by his answer and added this was certainly not his intention.
In his answer, he said he offered ministerial positions to Senators Ian Gorst, Tracey Vallois and Reform Jersey chairman Senator Sam Mézec but did not mention the fuller signed agreement.
He said: ‘Reform Jersey were speaking to both myself and Ian. Whoever came to an arrangement would have had to sign an agreement with them. I have no issues around the written nature of it.
‘It was only signed almost as we went into the States – maybe half an hour before the sitting. Ideally one should have declared it first but I have given an apology to the Assembly particularly in relation to the question put to me in the Assembly.
‘I was focused on the ministerial positions and that was the basis I answered the question on. With an extra ten seconds of reflection I could have referred to the agreement.’
Senator Le Fondré added that he was very happy with the results of the ministerial votes with nine of his chosen team being successful in securing seats at the Council of Ministers’ table.
And while he admitted that he and Senator Mézec come from ‘different political directions’ he said he believes he will work well with the newly appointed Housing Minister and added that Reform Jersey will be a vocal and welcome contribution to ministerial debates.
‘There are times that people from different political perspectives can come together constructively, identify a problem and decide on a solution,’ Senator Le Fondré said.
‘While I probably won’t agree on tax policy with Reform Jersey, I am happy to look at things. It is important that other voices in the Assembly are heard.’
Senator Le Fondré defeated Senator Gorst by 30 votes to 19 in the race to become Chief Minister on Monday.
