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19-21 Broad Street | St Helier Jersey | JE2 4WE
Senator Kristina Moore
Chair, Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel
16 February 2022
Dear Chair,
Thank you for your letter dated 4February.
While a government remains in place throughout the election period in line with the provisions of the States of Jersey Law 2005, as you outline, only necessary decisions are taken during this period and communications are strictly limited to avoid competition with candidates. Accordingly, we do not have meetings of the Competent Authorities, or the Council of Ministers scheduled. At the same time, public health officials will ensure that the pandemic is closely monitored, Ministers will be appropriately updated, and if decisions are deemed necessary, then the relevant ministerial groups, in this case, the Competent Authorities and the Council of Ministers, will be convened, and appropriate communications will take place.
I would add that the Ministerial Code sets a clear outline of the approach taken during the election period, and we are also developing internal guidance to support Ministers and officials during this period. This guidance will broadly mirror the approach taken during the 2018 elections, in a manner which is consistent with good practise in other jurisdictions. I would be content to provide you a copy of this internal guidance as soon as it is finalised.
I trust the above is welcome assurance of our respect for the electoral process and readiness to act as necessary as part of an effective pandemic response.
Yours sincerely,
Senator John Le Fondré Chief Minister