New Chief Minister After Election

It looks like Senator John Le Fondré won't be Jersey's Chief Minister after this term of office ends.

It's after his political party, the Jersey Alliance, elected Sir Mark Boleat as its candidate for the top job.

He's been appointed as the party leader at its annual meeting on Saturday 12 February.

Sir Mark, who is Jersey-born, is a former chairman of the JCRA and Jersey Development Company and was appointed to the board of Andium Homes in 2019.

He was knighted in 2017 for services to the financial services industry and local government in London.

Sir Mark Boleat at a conference in London

Sir Mark says he's greatly honoured to be elected leader and the party's candidate for Chief Minister.

"I have had a long, and successful, career in business, the voluntary sector, and public life, but the possibility of being Chief Minister of Jersey excites and motivates me more than anything else I have ever done.

But, more importantly, I want to be a very effective Chief Minister, giving the people of Jersey the Government that they deserve."

He was announced as a candidate for the party in November 2021.

Members of the Alliance Party include some sitting States members such as Senator Le Fondré, Home Affairs Minister Deputy Gregory Guida, Assistant Chief Minister Deputy Rowland Huelin, and Assistant Treasury Minister Deputy Lindsay Ash.

Party members Lindsay Ash, Rowland Huelin, Mary O'Keeffe and Gregory Guida at the Jersey Alliance launch event

Sir Mark says raising education standards, increasing the supply of homes, and improving health services are the three priority areas to tackle.

He'll also push for reforming the machinery of government.

"Jersey is a fantastic island with a very proud history, a great natural environment, a thriving economy, and a vibrant and inclusive community. I am not the only person to say that one only appreciates just how great Jersey is when one has lived outside the Island for a time.

But while the Island is great, the machinery of government is not. Here I am not attempting to apportion blame to people but rather to say that the present system is not capable of giving Jersey the government that it deserves.

My Alliance colleagues and I can change the system so that the Government of Jersey fairly reflects the nature of the people of the island - fair-minded, efficient, working for each other and inclusive. I would find it immensely rewarding to play a leading role in achieving that."

Senator Le Fondré has congratulated Sir Mark and tweeted to say he'll make his own position clear by Easter.

2/2 As I told members of Chamber I will make my own position clear by Easter, and I continue to focus on running the Government.

— John Le Fondre (@John_Le_Fondre) February 12, 2022

Jersey Alliance is one of four parties contesting this summer's election.

Reform Jersey, the Jersey Liberal Conservatives, and the Progress Party will also be fielding candidates.

Sir Philip Bailhache, a member of the Jersey Liberal Conservatives, has previously confirmed his intention to stand as Chief Minister if elected.