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My Vision for Jersey
I am conscious that in recent years the Jersey people feel desperately let down by their politicians. It is essential that States members win back the respect of those that elect them. I also believe it is vital that the States reflects the population as a whole and currently women are under represented. Unusually, Jersey has very few legally trained elected members; my election would assist in both respects.Twitter Feed
- About Me
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I help people get on with their lives, I enjoy that.
About Me
I was born in Ramsgate, Kent and educated at a local secondary modern and grammar school, growing up by the sea. My grandparents were agricultural workers. I was the first member of my family to go to university and read political science at the UCW Aberystwyth graduating in 1976. After working for Nottingham City Council I moved back to Kent to complete my articles as a solicitor with the Maidstone Borough Council. After qualifying in 1980, I spent several years lecturing in family & housing law in Hackney. In 1987, after the birth of my daughter, Eleanor, I practiced as a solicitor specialising in family law and continued this until I moved to Jersey in 1997. During this time my sons, Gareth and Trystan were born.
I stood as a local councillor in a by-election in the London Borough of Southwark in 1984 and was successfully re-elected in 1986, 1990 and 1994. I was honoured to stand for Parliament in the Peckham constituency in 1992. During 1988 – 1990 I was the elected member of the Inner Education Authority for North Southwark and Bermondsey where I represented an electorate of over 70,000.
I hope that my experience as an elected politician in London together with the campaigning work that I have carried out in Jersey will persuade the community that I have the experience, compassion and skills to be successful in the Senatorial election.
- Why Am I Standing?
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I listen, think, suggest and act, but not before I listen again. It's my job. Politicians forget to do that sometimes - that's why I'm standing.
Why Am I Standing?
Key Issues Facing Jersey
There is a need for constitutional reform of the States of Jersey. There needs to be a full and informed debate of the various options. It is crucial that the public are fully consulted on these reforms including options being put to them in a referendum.The States needs to reform the way that it debates issues. There is far too much time wasting and many members seem to have forgotten that they are in the States to represent those who elected them and not to simply convey their own personal views.
There must be a continuing role for the parishes within any reformed States. The parish structure is an excellent way of helping to reconnect with the electorate and consideration should be given to how the role of the parishes could be enhanced.
Why Islanders Should Vote for Me
- I have many years experience of local government in London including sitting as an elected member on the Inner Education Authority;
- I have been active in campaigning for a number of social reforms in Jersey that affect families, including the implementation of the Children Law, rights for grandparents and step-parents. I believe that I have been an effective campaigner in these areas and feel these skills could be used in the States;
- I am passionate about Jersey. However, in recent years, politicians have lost the ability to properly represent those that elected them and unless this tide is turned Jersey will become governed less and less effectively. Such a state of affairs risks the economic and social stability of the Island.
- My Manifesto
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I understand the issues facing families in Jersey and I fight for a better life for them.
My Manifesto
Reaching Out and Reviving Our Democracy
The vast majority of the electorate are currently dissatisfied with the States. This dissatisfaction is serious and deeply held. It is therefore essential that the process of reconnection with the community by its elected representatives is seen as a priority.It is generally accepted that the current system of government is not working and there are many questions that need to be answered about the alternatives. The composition of the States needs to be reformed. There is a huge amount of work for our government to do and we need to be careful before we automatically accept that there are too many States members (although there may be). What is crucial is that workable solutions are put forward as to how many elected representatives should represent each area of the Island. The role of the Constables should continue in order to foster democracy and participation at the Parish level.
Viable solutions to constitutional reform need to be found by the States and then put to the electorate in a referendum. Only then will there be a clear mandate for reform and the whole community will have an opportunity to have a say in the future composition of the States.It is also essential that the States reform its own internal procedures. There is too much time wasting and petty argument in the current Chamber. This lowers the reputation of our government and ensures that the electorate do not have confidence in the decisions taken.
Read on... - Contact Me
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Life is good here, but it could be even better.
Email
Telephone
+44 (0) 1534 888666Address
PO Box 737, Pirouet House,
Union Street, St. Helier,
Jersey, JE4 8ZQSocial Networks
