Manoeuvring underway to determine next Chief Minister

Talks have begun in earnest behind the scenes, to decide Jersey's next Chief Minister.

With the 2026 election results in, and a new States Assembly chosen, the political manoeuvring has begun to decide Jersey's next leader.

Candidates need to six supporters to sign their form before 5pm on Thursday (11 June).

Incumbent, Lyndon Farnham, has made it clear he wants to continue in the top.

The Senator-elect took office in January 2024, following a successful vote of no confidence in Kristina Moore's administration.

On the campaign trial for this election, Farnham told voters he had 'brought the assembly together' and there he has 'a lot more to do'.

 Senator-elect Lyndon Farnham

Senatorial poll-topper Helen Miles has said she might go for it given the level of public backing she has received, depending on conversations she has over the next couple of days.

Miles, who has a background in criminal justice, served as Justice and Home Affairs Minister after the 2022 election until the change of government in the last term.

 Senator-elect Helen Miles

It's understood she won't run against Elaine Millar, who finished fourth in the poll.  The Treasury Minister told Channel 103:

"If she (Miles) was going to go for Chief Minister I would support her rather than compete against her."

She told us: " I would like to continue the work I have been doing with Ian (Gorst) on Financial Services competitiveness to make sure we do everything we can to get Financial Service into the best place it can be."

Senator-elect Ian Gorst, who led the senatorial poll for most of election night but finished in second place, wants to continue in his role at External Relations and with Financial Services, where he has been leading work to ensure the industry remains competitive and holds its value to the island's economy.

 Senator-elect Ian Gorst

A sixth placed finish for Senator-elect Tom Binet might have dented his leadership aspirations.  

A feature of the conversations being had to garner support for the next CM will be who they would pick to sit alongside them at the top table.

There is also a very clear and strong appetite for a 'unifying' figure.

There will definitely be new Housing, Environment and Education Ministers in the new government after election defeats for Sam Mezec, Steve Luce and Rob Ward.

Senator-elect Alan Maclean, a former Treasury and Economic Development Minister, who is returning to politics following an eight year break, will be looking for a CM with 'vision' and who might offer him a role:

"I would be hopeful of having a ministerial role. I would very much like to be involved in the Council of Ministers - part of a team to hopefully deliver for the island - but it will very much depend on who that person is and what that person - he or she - feels is right for the island."

Ministerial positions - including that of Chief Minister - are not limited to Senators.  Deputies and Constables can also be put forward.

As well as six supporters, CM candidates need to submit a statement to the Greffier, 'setting out their vision for a strategic policy and how they propose they will discharge their responsibilities'.

Newly-elected States Members will be sworn into office at Jersey's Royal Court on Friday (12 June).

The election for Chief Minister will take place in the States Chamber seven days later (19 June).