On Air Now Jo Lloyd 8:00am - Noon
Now Playing Ariana Grande Yes, And?

Education Minister: "I Won't Move Aside"

The Education Minister says she will not step aside from her role - suggesting that the Chief Minister should sack her if he doesn't think she can do the job.

Senator Tracey Vallois made her frustration clear to Senator John Le Fondre on Tuesday - indicating she feels there is a lack of support for Education and it not being seen as a high enough priority.

She criticised the system of Ministerial Government and then issued an open challenge for answers from the Chief Minister on progressing HR policies, reintroducing the Public Services Ombudsman to the Government Plan agenda, and creating a training programme for senior civil servants on how democracy works in Jersey.

The Minister also called for clarity on how long Charlie Parker could stay on in government before he officially leaves - and whether Ministers will be involved in that decision.

The Chief Minister did not address those questions in his closing remarks, despite another attempt after his speech from Senator Vallois to get a response.

Senator Le Fondre has since told Channel 103 that it is 'very likely' that Mr. Parker will leave before the end of 2020.

Senator Vallois did not back the Chief Minister and decided to abstain in the final vote - tweeting afterwards to say she was emailed whilst voting.

That decision to abstain was criticised on social media - leading Senator Vallois to respond further.

In response to questions about how she would now vote - she said she would have backed him - adding that if the Chief Minister thinks she can't do the job - he can sack her.

The Chief Minister has told Channel 103 he is 'taking soundings' from Ministers following suggestions of a reshuffle to try and unite the States Assembly.

He has vacancies to fill following political resignations ahead of this week's confidence motion, and Senator Ian Gorst has recommended the Chief Minister makes a wider shake-up

 Senator John Le Fondre told Channel 103:

"I am not commenting too much at the moment.  I want to just take some soundings from ministers and then we shall put some announcements out.  I think we have got until next Tuesday to have all those ducks in a row."

Pressed on whether he'd permit Senator Vallois to continue as Education Minister, he told us:

"As I say, I am going to take some soundings. I want to just hear from her her perspective.  I am not contemplating anything at this stage, I hasten to add, but I just do want to understand exactly what her concerns are." 

More from Jersey News


Channel 103 VIP

Become a Channel 103 VIP!