By Jonathan Channing
ONE cannot help but feel a surge of inspiration, irrespective of political affiliation, when reflecting on former President Donald J Trump’s dramatic return to the podium after surviving an assassination attempt.
The scene was nothing short of cinematic. Trump, having brushed against death, rose again to rally his supporters, chanting “Fight. Fight. Fight. Fight.” This display of resilience and determination, while polarising, undeniably demonstrates the kind of fortitude essential for leadership at the highest levels. And it prompts a crucial question for us: Can we identify similar fortitude among our current States Members?
Who among our politicians would take a metaphorical bullet and rise up to champion the cause of Jersey? Who would place the wellbeing of the Island above their own life? Who would bleed for Jersey with a smile?
At the heart of Island politics and failures of our government lies a disconnect between the office held and the responsibility owed to the public. We need leaders who are prepared to invest their all into the prosperity and security of our island, ensuring it is fortified against external challenges, whether diplomatic, strategic, economic or otherwise.
Merely being a good community advocate is not sufficient. While such advocacy is an important component of democracy, it no longer addresses the holistic needs of our island.
We are fortunate to have Constables who serve as the vital link between the community and the government, amplifying local voices and addressing community issues. However, the role of States Members who are not Constables should be to serve the Island as a whole.
Anything less is a disservice. Some may argue that Deputies should focus on representing their specific constituencies. Perhaps, as it reflects a direction that many have allowed our Assembly to take.
But a fragmented focus on individual interests risks eroding the unity and effectiveness of long-term strategic decision-making. It is a perilous path that could lead to the undoing of the progress we’ve made, leaving only remnants of a once-resilient jurisdiction.
Our current political system is like a ship adrift. It requires refinement and elevation to secure Jersey’s future trajectory.
We have seen a steady influx of newcomers to politics, which brings both advantages and drawbacks.
On the positive side, fresh perspectives and new issues are introduced, injecting vigour into the Assembly. On the downside, experienced voices leave and new Members must undergo a prolonged learning process. It takes a couple of years to learn the ropes and then there is two years to take action, or less given the lead-up to the next election.
This cycle impacts infrastructure, strategic positioning and long-term vision, leading to a compromised capacity for effective, nimble decision-making.
So, what can be done to address these issues? If you criticise, you should also offer solutions.
The answer lies in comprehensive political reform. This reform must take us beyond ideological debates and platitudes. It must involve steps that disrupt the status quo and demand courageous leadership. Jersey stands at a crossroads – we can either cling to nostalgic visions of the past or forge a future that genuinely reflects our aspirations and potential.
One concrete proposal is the establishment of a States Council – a secondary parliamentary body composed of former politicians who have served at least three terms.
This council would offer their extensive experience to current Assemblies, contributing to long-term strategic planning and acting as a resource for navigating complex issues.
Although this initiative would incur costs, I believe the investment is justified. It is evident that we have too many politicians engaged in day-to-day issues to questionable effect and not enough focus on strategic long-term action.
To balance this, we could reduce the number of Deputies while increasing the number of Senators and enhancing the role of Constables within a more structured framework of community engagement. By reducing the number of Deputies, we could streamline the political process, allowing for more focus on the important issues and debates. This reduction would also provide resources to support the States Council, ensuring that experienced former politicians can contribute effectively after their elected terms.
Constables, empowered to operate within a more structured framework, would manage enhanced community outreach and gather broader input, as well as drive efficiency in relation to constituency issues. The Deputies, in turn, could assist Constables with managing this new structure, ensuring a smoother flow of democratic engagement, while learning their trade and participating as members of Scrutiny panels.
I see the position of Deputy being more community-focused and a stepping stone, giving people experience before advancing to responsible government roles. This approach allows for a more structured development of political expertise, ensuring that those who step into higher roles are well-prepared to handle the complexities of ministerial government.
Currently, Deputies are expected to learn on the job, often handling Islandwide issues with the experience of a well-meaning campaigner. This may not be optimal for ensuring a strategic vision and effective decision-making. The proposed system aims to address this by greatly reducing the learning element of this cycle and ensuring more action in the course of political terms.
The creation of a council of former politicians would serve multiple critical functions:
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Consistency of long-term vision: The council would ensure continuity and coherence in delivering long-term strategic goals, maintaining the rationale behind past decisions and guiding future policies.
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Education for new politicians: The council would provide valuable insights and education to newer politicians, encouraging a wider perspective and a better understanding of historical context.
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Organisational memory: By retaining strategic insights and historical knowledge, the council would preserve important information about past decisions and the reasons behind them.
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Advisory role for government plans: The council would offer expert advice on major projects and government structures, helping to avoid pitfalls and ensure that new initiatives are well considered.
The system would significantly improve the learning curve associated with political service, allowing for a more efficient transition from planning to action within each political term. By leveraging the experience of former politicians, we can avoid the pitfalls of a repetitive cycle and focus on delivering meaningful progress.
For those who advocate aligning Jersey’s political system with models from larger jurisdictions such as the UK, I would argue that such an approach may not serve our unique needs.
Jersey is a distinctive society with specific characteristics, and a “one-size-fits-all” model from the UK does not adequately address our unique context.
The current UK-inspired model often contributes to political disengagement and fails to engage effectively with our relatively small population.
We need a political system that is tailored to Jersey’s needs, one that fosters genuine engagement and reduces the disconnection between the public and political processes.
The case for political reform in Jersey is compelling and urgent. We need a system that prioritises effective governance, strategic foresight and meaningful public engagement.
The creation of a States Council, alongside a more streamlined and structured approach to political roles, offers a practical solution to address the inefficiencies of our current system.
It is time to move beyond outdated models and embrace a reform that will enable Jersey to navigate with confidence and resilience. The challenge is to present this proposal clearly and compellingly to the public, ensuring that it garners the support necessary for implementation. Only then can we build on the legacy we have and secure a prosperous future for Jersey.
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Jonathan Channing works with businesses to better understand neurodiversity and bridge the communication gap that is often present in organisations. In addition to this Jonathan has a keen interest in stoicism, broader philosophy and Jungian psychology. Jonathan also stood for election as Deputy of St Saviour in 2022.
