The minister’s announcement came on the eve of Tuesday’s dissolution of the States, which signals the start of the five-week period before Islanders take to the polls on Wednesday 16 May.
Senator Green, whose team was today due to submit a revised future hospital planning application, is the latest in a long line of political heavyweights who will be leaving the States Assembly.
His announcement follows that of External Relations Minister Sir Philip Bailhache, Treasury Minister Alan Maclean, Infrastructure Minister Eddie Noel and Housing Minister Anne Pryke. Long-serving Senators and close supporters of Senator Gorst, Paul Routier and Philip Ozouf, have also confirmed that they will not be standing.
Education Minister Rod Bryans – who on Friday was cleared of allegations of misconduct by the States Commissioner for Standards – has not yet revealed whether or not he will seek re-election. It means that only five of the current Council of Ministers have declared their intention to run for the States.
They are Chief Minister Ian Gorst, Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham, Social Security Minister Susie Pinel, Home Affairs Minister Kristina Moore and Environment Minister
Steve Luce.
Senator Green, who also served as Housing Minister and Assistant Education Minister during his 9½-year period in office, said that it was a ‘big decision’ to step down.
‘If I could have stayed for another year I would have done,’ he said. ‘I’m approaching 67. If I gave four more years I would be 71.
‘We are putting in for the new planning permission [for the hospital] today. If I had one more year to get the planning permission I would have been more comfortable. But it’s time to call it a day.’
He added that as a large proportion of the States was going to be stepping aside it would mean that there would be a shake-up of the Assembly.
‘It is going to change,’ Senator Green said. ‘There are 18 people not standing this time, I think. That might be unique for Jersey but not unique for the UK. A few years ago when Tony Blair brought the Labour party into power you had a whole government change.
‘I would like to see more women in the States. We want a more diverse membership. We want people who have experience making decisions.’
