The introduction of ministerial government in Jersey in December 2005 heralded the start of the most significant change in the way Jersey is governed for over 50 years. Its Chief Minister describes how the move has lead to more effective government, illustrated by a faster response to external issues and the increasing development of Jersey's distinct identity on the international stage.
Sen. Walker is Chief Minister of Jersey and leads the Council of Ministers. He was first elected to the States as a Deputy of the parish of St. Helier in 1990 and then as a Senator with an island- wide mandate in 1996. He has held several executive positions and was elected by the States as Jersey's first ever Chief Minister after the introduction of a ministerial system of government in December 2005.
Assembly (the Parliament of Jersey), each with political responsibility for an area of public services. A comprehensive review of the system in 2000, chaired by Sir Cecil Clothier, supported the widely held view that there was a need for change. The system was considered to be cumbersome, poorly co-ordinated and unable to respond to the rapid pace of change in a modern world, particularly in the international sphere.
J
ersey's previous system of administration was overseen by a number of committees of the States
Sen. Frank Walker.
Ministerial government Following a period of public consultation and detailed debate in the States Assembly, a new system of government was devised with the aim of achieving:
l More efficient decision making; l Improved communication and co-
ordination between government departments;
4 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue One - Jersey
l More effective and responsive
government; l Greater accountability for policy
decisions; l Better international representation for
Jersey, and l Improved value for money.
A key change was the establishment of a Council of Ministers led by the Chief Minister and comprising nine Ministers, each responsible for a States department. For the first time, Jersey had in place an effective executive government, charged to deliver the strategic objectives of the States Assembly. The Chief Minister is chosen by the States Members and Ministers are also appointed by the States from among the 53 elected Members. In the absence of party politics in
Jersey, it was also essential to introduce an effective scrutiny process to hold the executive to account. Accordingly, four scrutiny Panels were established covering corporate services, the environment, economic affairs and social affairs (the latter now divided into two Panels). The role of the Chief Minister is to co- ordinate policy and strategy across the