something similar. But I must acknowledge that there is an awful lot for any new Member to take on board following their election and it is probably true to say that even now I continue to learn new tricks from some of the old hands. There is now a good basic induction
programme for new Members which has been devised and implemented by the States' Greffe (Clerk). This covers all general aspects of life as a States Member, from basics such as how to prepare and submit a written question to an understanding of the Standing Orders that govern the business of the Assembly. Nevertheless, speaking for the first time in the House is a tense time for most Members - and you can't try to creep around the issue as custom dictates that the first utterance is greeted with a loud foot-stamping by other Members. In many ways, all 53 Members were
"new" following the 2005 elections (even the 6 Senators who were only mid-way through their six-year terms at that time) as the whole system of our government moved from committee style to executive following a lengthy process of consultation and debate. This change was a real shake-up for Jersey and, in some ways, those of us elected for the first time then were better placed to make the transition than the experienced States Members. Many Members, previously closely involved in decision-making as a part of major committees, have seen that power pass into the hands of a single person, the Minister. Through my membership of the
Privileges and Procedures Committee, I have been involved in a review the first 12 months of the new system and although, based on the submissions made, the consensus is that the system is working well, it is apparent that the changes have not in all cases delivered what was expected by some Members. Whether that is due to the design of the system or the level of expectation is sometimes a point of contention. The process of analysis and possible modification of the machinery of government is on-going at this time and all Members are invited to participate.
Moving into new roles An election is only the beginning of political life; but immediately upon taking office, there are choices to be made that
A float in the “Battle of the Flowers” parade.
will largely determine the tone of the whole term of office. In Jersey in 2005, the first task of the new House was to elect a Chief Minister and from that decision flowed the selection of: Ministers (who, once confirmed, were able to select their Assistant Ministers without endorsement by the Assembly); Chairmen of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, Public Accounts Committee and Scrutiny Panels, and then Members of those panels. Thus, in just a few days, the die was
cast as to the function each Member was likely to play, either executive or non- executive, was set for the next three years. There had been a period of "shadow
scrutiny" which had run parallel to the government during the previous term of office, so whilst Members had a general idea of how the new system would operate, there was also the feeling that we were moving forward into a new era of island politics. The greatest changes will be made
following the next election in November this year, when successful candidates will have the benefit of three years' history of operation to look back on to enable them to choose the most effective path for their abilities and aspirations. In many ways, the Jersey political
system is unique. We have three classes of Member but only one House. Members
find their way into the States of Jersey either by virtue of their office, having been elected as a Parish Constable, or following success in another public election. This can be on a parish or constituency basis (29 Deputies) or on an all-island mandate (12 Senators). Once elected, however, every Member represents the people of Jersey and all have equal voting rights in the Legislature.
Keeping in constant touch So what is life like for a Parish Deputy? Well for me, and taking into account my background in the Parish, there is a continued involvement in parish life generally in order to keep in touch with "my" parishioners. This includes such formal things as attending the parish assemblies and the Visites de Branchage (where the state of the hedgerows is checked); but there are also many parish activities of a social nature, ranging from making holly wreaths for the Christmas market to helping in the final stages of preparation for the parish's entry in the annual "Battle of Flowers" carnival. Whilst not political in nature, participating in these enables me to meet different strands of the community and to keep abreast of their worries, concerns and opinions. Trying to find enough time to fit everything in can be a problem. Even