Reform Party leader loses out in Jersey election

The housing minister and leader of Jersey's Reform Party has not been re-elected as the island chose its next States Assembly.

Sam Mézec finished 10th in the island-wide senator election - in which nine seats are available - and his fellow party member and minister Rob Ward failed in his attempt to become St Helier constable.

The party has secured three seats and with counts for deputies' election in St Helier Central and North set to start at 10:30 they could gain up to five further seats - it previously had 10.

Elsewhere Kirsten Morel - who as economic development minister has been criticised over the ferry contract with DFDS - was re-elected as a deputy, which he described as a huge relief.

Speaking after being defeated, Mézec said while it was not the result he had hoped for, he was "immensely grateful" for everyone who voted for and supported him during his time as a States member.

"I am incredibly proud of all of Reform Jersey's achievements in that time, including expanding free child care to two-three year olds, consistently making primary healthcare more affordable for more groups of islanders and establishing a first time buyer," he said in a Facebook post.

"My strongest legacy will be the new Residential Tenancy Law, which will continue to protect the tenants I've fought so far for from revenge evictions and unjustifiable rent hikes for years to come.

"It will now be the job of new leadership of Reform Jersey to take our movement forward.

"It remains the only vehicle through which ordinary islanders will ever truly have their interests represented in the States."

Gabriel Raimondo, who turned 18 on 28 May, is set to become the youngest ever member of the States when he is sworn in after being elected to serve as a deputy for St Brelade.

Raimondo said he was "feeling absolutely ecstatic" about the result.

"The most amazing night with nothing but good news," he said on Facebook.

"Thank you for everyone who put their trust in me yesterday.

"I won't stop the hard work and will show you that it wasn't just an 18-year-old you voted for, but a better future for this island - the real work starts now."

Throughout the night senators were voted for island-wide, deputies were voted for depending on the area of islanders constituency and constables were voted for by parish.

In that race for an island-wide mandate serving members led the way with five members of government elected alongside another States member, a former minister and two first-time candidates.

In the constables' elections the none of the above option faced by otherwise unopposed candidates was not supported enough to see anyone not be elected - it was not even close - but nonetheless the figures will give some candidates pause for thought.

Mézec missed out on the senator position after finishing tenth with 9,374 votes - more than 2,000 behind 9th placed Mary Le Hegarat.

Helen Miles topped the senator poll with 15,859 followed by Ian Gorst with 15,667.

Morel, who held a ministerial position in the previous government, said he hoped to put community at the forefront after being elected.

He said it was "absolutely fantastic" and a "huge relief".

"I have been carrying a weight from the past government and various decisions that have been made.

"It was absolutely wonderful to be re-elected and feel the strength of confidence the constituency have in me and I'm really grateful.

"I knew that I had my work cut out but it was a really good campaign."

Morel added: "Everyone campaigned very well in the right atmosphere, there was no nastiness in our constituency.

"This time I really want to focus on the community - I want to get back into the parish community.

"I do want to focus on French relations that is something I would like to carry on looking at and also agriculture and fisheries."

Kevin Lewis lost the St Saviour's constable seat during election night to Dave Curtis.

Lewis serviced in St Saviour for 21 years, both as deputy and constable.

He said: "I'm disappointed, I had another four years in me.

"Thank you for everyone who's voted for me, supported me over the years, and now it's time for retirement."

He wished congratulations to the newly elected St Saviour's Constable Dave Curtis, who wished him well in retirement.

Curtis said: "There's an element of sadness in that obviously, but I'm here for me... and it's maybe time for change, so let's get to work and let's crack on with those issues."

He added: "Let's crack on, let's get down to work and let's get things going."

Serena Kersten Guthrie, former England netballer, was elected as one of the nine successful senators, with 12,588 votes.

Senators were reinstated for the 2026 after being abolished in 2021 and were the only positions voted for on an island-wide basis.

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