Constable candidate: ‘I will stand again’

Mark Le Chevalier

A BUSINESSMAN who challenged Simon Crowcroft’s 21-year reign as St Helier Constable has vowed to stand again in the next election, after receiving a ‘phenomenal’ number of votes.

Mark Le Chevalier polled 2,166 on Wednesday – equating to 40% of the votes cast – in what has widely been regarded as an impressive performance in an election which ultimately saw Mr Crowcroft retain his seat with 3,110 votes.

It was the first time the veteran Constable has faced a contested election since 2008.

Despite the defeat, Mr Le Chevalier, who only decided to stand in late April, said he was pleased with his share of the vote.

‘My campaign went very well. It was run by myself and immediate family and we put up posters and personally delivered over 8,000 leaflets to homes,’ he said.

‘It was very challenging covering three districts in St Helier, but it has been a great sense of achievement and a pleasure to meet so many parishioners along the journey.’

Mr Le Chevalier added: ‘I got 40% of the votes, which I think was phenomenal. It is very humbling to know that I’ve got so much support on my side.’

The Islander, who runs W.G. Electrical Services and W.G. VPA Services, said that he learned a lot about parish issues during his campaign.

‘There was a lot of feedback about parking – there’s no parking in town. And one of the big ones was bicycles and scooters riding on the pavements,’ he said.

‘The state of the roads and paving slabs was also mentioned and disability access also came into play with a lot of people.

‘I think one of the reasons for my support was because some parishioners have lost confidence in the current Constable, which I think the electorate has demonstrated.’

Mr Chevalier confirmed that he would stand again in the next election – again seeking the Constable’s seat.

‘I feel that I do have the necessary skill sets with which to fulfil the role of Constable, especially financial skills as I do own two successful businesses already.

‘I do intend to stand again and in the meantime I will be actively looking to join committees within the community in which I can contribute to,’ he said, adding: ‘I would like to thank parishioners for the support that they have shown me during this campaign.’

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