Ex-England netballer given sports remit as Assistant Ministers are named

Friday, 3 July 2026 07:30

By Giulia Heath

Former England netball captain Serena Kersten has been given political responsibility for sport.

Formerly Serena Guthrie when she played for the Roses, the newly-elected politician has been given two positions within Jersey’s government.

The Commonwealth Games gold medallist becomes Assistant Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, working alongside Deputy Lucy Stephenson and Senator Sir Mark Boleat to support the Minister, Deputy Catherine Curtis.

Senator Kersten has also been appointed Assistant Minister for Infrastructure, working with the Minister Deputy Jonathan Renouf.

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham says she will have the sport remit as part of those portfolios.

During her election campaign, Senator Kersten was clear about her ambitions to champion sport and wellbeing and focus on preventative health. She also said she wanted to reintroduce PE teachers to island primary schools.

Deputy Phil Romeril, another political newcomer, is also Assistant Minister in three departments, Economic Development, Social Security and the soon-to-be-created Planning and Regulation.

Senator Sir Mark Boleat will be nominated to become Planning and Regulation Minister at the States sitting on 14 July.

Farnham's planned Council of Ministers confirmed

The Council of Ministers met for the first time on Thursday (2 July) since being constituted earlier this week.

Ministers are able to choose their Assistants, subject to agreement from the Chief Minister.

Senator Farnham, who got all his picks of people to sit with him at the top table, said:

“ I have endeavoured to form a government that reflects the breadth of skills, views an experience in the States Assembly, and one that has the capability and drive to make improvements that islanders have called for during the election.

“During what was a positive meeting today, the members of the Council of Ministers renewed their commitment to constructive government and to tackling the key issues quickly and effectively, with particular emphasis on housing and affordability.

”There was a collective desire to commence work immediately.'