Jersey's Chief Minister Ousted

Wednesday, 17 January 2024 07:30

Just weeks after a change of leadership in Guernsey, Jersey's Chief Minister has been ousted in a vote of no confidence.

The island's first female Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, has become the shortest-serving and the first to be forced out of office mid-term.

She lost of vote of no confidence 27-22 in Jersey's States Assembly on Tuesday night (17 January) following a debate that lasted for more than six hours.

The challenge had been brought by her former Infrastructure Minister, Tom Binet.

It saw her former Assistant Chief Minister Andy Jehan vote against her, and her Assistant Education and Treasury Minister Richard Vibert resign from her Council of Ministers mid-debate, to support the motion.

Speaking to us as she left the Chamber, Deputy Moore said:

"I am really disappointed in the Assembly. I think today has been a shameful day. Personalities and hearsay has over-ridden sense and delivery.”

A new Chief Minister will be chosen this week. Potential successors have until 5pm on Wednesday to put their names forward. They need to have six nominees.

Deputy Binet and Reform Jersey party leader Deputy Sam Mezec have said they will go for it.

The change at the top of Jersey politics comes a little over a month since Guernsey's senior Policy and Resources committee was toppled in a vote of no confidence.

Deputy Lyndon Trott was then elected to take over from Deputy Peter Ferbrache.