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PERSONAL STATEMENT BY THE DEPUTY OF ST. JOHN ON 3rd NOVEMBER 2015
It is with great sadness that I read this personal statement today.
Last year I was offered the role of Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources and due to my background and political experience I saw this as an opportunity to make a difference. Almost a year on I have had to evaluate my position and consider whether it is conducive to my skills and ability.
My understanding of this role was to be part of a team, to challenge, to assist in reforming the States of Jersey and use my experience to make the changes needed. The reality has been somewhat different. Many members will know me for my directness and honesty of a situation and that I try to provide solutions on how to solve a problem. I am a reasonable individual who tries to give people the benefit of the doubt, however a year has passed and there is not a great deal of difference between my role of being an Assistant Minister and that of a backbencher. Albeit, I am somewhat gagged in the public domain and my challenges are behind closed doors unseen and unheard.
On top of this I have repeatedly tried to understand why, if I am seen as a valuable member of that team, that I have not been entrusted with the ability to lead a project or receive delegation which I have repeatedly asked about since February. I am still none the wiser but I know that I should not have to repeat myself on a regular basis if I am seen as the appropriate person for the job.
With all due respect to the Council of Ministers I recognise the difficult job they have to do and was hoping that I would play an active role in this but I am not willing to continue waiting and believe that my skills are served better elsewhere, in particular if scrutiny would welcome me back, I will be looking to assist and challenge through this role instead.
All members who have worked with me will know the frustrations I have faced and the dilemma I have had with this decision, however I hope you can all understand that this has not been easy and I hope that I can continue a good working relationship with the Council of Ministers going forward and continue to assist, but in a different role.