Election 2026: St. Mary, St. Ouen and St. Peter Connétable and Deputy candidate manifestos

Welcome to the Jersey Election Podcast.
In this episode, we take a closer look at the candidates standing in St. Mary, St. Ouen and St. Peter, helping you understand who is running and what they stand for.

We’ll also guide you through everything you need to know about voting in this year’s election, taking place on Sunday 7 June, so you feel informed and ready when it matters most.

Transcript

Introduction

SPEAKER_10 0:07

St Mary, St Juan and St Peter edition. It's almost time for you to cast your vote in Jersey's next election. Sunday, the 7th of June, is Election Day, and following changes agreed by the previous States Assembly, this time you have more choice than you did in 2022. As well as being able to vote for up to nine senators who will represent the whole island, you can vote for your parish constable or connotable and between two and four deputies to represent your constituency. This podcast is for voters living in St Mary, St Juan and St Peter, and very shortly you will hear from the candidates standing for Conotob in your parish and the six candidates hoping to secure one of the three seats available in your constituency. But before we do, here's a quick reminder of how you can be a voter on Sunday 7 June and what you need to know if it's your first time heading to the polls.

What voters in St. Mary, St. Ouen and St. Peter need to know

SPEAKER_02 1:01

Unlike previous elections, this year you don't need to register to vote ahead of Election Day, as thanks to a change in the law, you should have automatically been added to the electoral register if you're eligible to vote in Jersey. To be eligible to vote, you need to be aged 16 or over and have lived in Jersey for one year up to the 7th of June, or for six months up to the election plus other previous periods of time that add up to five years. You don't need to be a British citizen to vote in Jersey. There are three ways you can vote in the election. The first is postal voting. If you have applied for a postal vote, you should receive your ballot papers this month. These will need to be completed and returned to the judicial greff by midday on Sunday, the 7th of June, to be counted. Pre-poll, or early voting, is available to everyone wherever you live in the island. This option allows you to cast your vote at a specific polling station ahead of Election Day and is handy if you work shifts, have weekend responsibilities, or just want to beat the crowds. The pre-poll station is at St. Paul's Centre in St. Helier and is open between Tuesday the 26th of May and Monday 1st of June. Check vote.je for the opening times. And finally, you can cast your vote in person at your allocated polling station on Election Day, Sunday, the 7th of June. They'll be open from 8am until 8pm, and you can find out where your polling station is by heading to vote.je.

SPEAKER_10 2:24

Now you know the how, let's return to the who and hear from the candidates standing for election in your area. Each candidate was invited to record a two-minute manifesto outlining what they intend to do as a states member if they're elected. The views they express are the candidates and not those of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, the Jersey Electoral Authority or Vote.je. We cannot guarantee the factual accuracy of any statements made. Here, in alphabetical order by last name, are the candidates standing for Conotab of St. Mary, including whether they're standing as an independent candidate or as a member of a political party.

Candidate for Connétable of St. Mary: Mark Anthony Baker

SPEAKER_10 3:01

Mark Anthony Baker, Independent.

SPEAKER_01 3:03

My name is Mark Anthony Baker, and I'm standing for Constable of St. Mary because I believe it is time for change. St Mary is not just where I live, it is part of who I am. My family's roots here stretch back centuries, and I care deeply about protecting the future of our parish. So why vote for me? Because I will fight to protect St. Mary's green fields from overdevelopment. Because I believe it should be a priority for St. Mary families and young people with parish connections to have the opportunity to purchase first-time buyer homes. Because I will support our elderly, vulnerable, and volunteers, the people who hold this community together. I bring over 30 years of leadership, communication, and real-world experience, along with a proven track record of community action. I founded St. Mary's Youth Club with my family, helping create one of the island's most successful youth clubs, and for 13 years I've organized Santa's Bikers, raising funds for Jersey Cancer Relief and the Variety Club of Jersey for underprivileged children. Many of you also know that I've previously stepped back from standing in the last election. Between my wife and I, we lost several family members in a short period of time. And just before the election, I unexpectedly underwent emergency surgery. This left me with no choice but to step down from the election. Now I'm ready to serve this parish, stronger, fitter, and ready to support our community with enthusiasm and a skill set that will allow me to become an asset to our parish and our community. As David Johnson said in his Joe's Evening post-election interview, it is time for change, and a younger person should take the helm. He's right.

unknown 4:35

St.

SPEAKER_01 4:36

Mary doesn't need a caretaker. It needs action, it needs energy, and it needs leadership. I'm Mark Anthony Baker, and I would be honoured to have your vote for the Consul of St. Mary's. It is time for change, but that change cannot and will not happen without your vote. Thank you.

Candidate for Connétable of St. Mary: Ivor Barette

SPEAKER_10 4:51

Ivor Barrett, Independent.

SPEAKER_04 4:53

Hello, my fellow parishioners of St. Mary. I stand before you not as a stranger, but someone who has lived, worked, and grown alongside you for most of my life. St. Mary is my home. It's a place I care deeply about. I have seen our parish through times of change, holding on to our traditions while facing new challenges and opportunities. I understand what makes St. Mary special: our strong sense of community, our rural character, and the pride we share in where we live. If entrusted with the role of Kumitab, my commitment is simple. I will listen, I will act, I will represent every voice in the parish. We face important issues, protecting our parish identity while adapting to modern needs, safeguarding our environment, supporting local families, and making decisions that truly reflect the best interests of St. Mary. I believe in practical common sense leadership that means being approachable, making fair and transparent decisions, working together, but within our parish and across the island. And when it matters most, I will stand up for St. Mary. This is not about politics, it's about people. It's about preserving what we value while building a future we can be proud of. I am standing for election because I believe the time is right to step forward, give back to the community that has given me so much. As a Kunaitab, I will be approachable and available to everyone. Listen carefully and act with fairness and integrity. Stand up for the needs of our parish, work hard to ensure your voices are heard. I am not a career politician, I am one of you. I understand the importance of the community spirit, of looking for one another, and making decisions that benefit both present and future generations. I am ready to serve, I'm ready to listen, and I am ready to work for you. For St. Mary. Thank you.

Candidate for Connétable of St. Mary: David Johnson

SPEAKER_10 6:59

David Johnson, Independent.

SPEAKER_00 7:01

Hello, everyone. My name is David Johnson. I am a present consul of St. Mary, having previously served as its parish deputy. I much enjoy my four years in office and having been approached by parishioners. I have been persuaded, or I've been happy to be persuaded, to stand for office for a further term and continue to represent my parish not of birth, but where I live for the last 35 years. The primary role of the constable is, of course, to oversee parish administration. In that respect, the constable is assisted by not only the parish hall of staff but members of the Honorary Service. That honorary service, that honorary system is at the heart of the civic constitutional and community life of the island, and it's one which I vigorously support. As head of the team, as it were, I daily attend the parish hall and am therefore available to me not only my colleagues but also parishers as and when they um wish to see me. Apart from the parish responsibility, a constable as a states member has various responsibilities uh in the conduct of states business. Uh in my time as deputy and constable, I've served on a variety of scrutiny other panels frequently as a chair, and would be happy and anxious to do so in any future um administration. Uh in doing so I found that my 40 years experience as a lawyer has still been in good stead and again uh has helped me with uh chairing in particular meetings. Finally, I thank you for listening uh and hope that what I have said encouraged you to consider me as your candidate for consul.

Candidate for Connétable of St. Ouen: Richard Honeycombe

SPEAKER_10 9:02

There is a single candidate standing for Conotab of St. One, Richard Honeycomb, Independent. Richard Honeycomb, Independent, did not record a manifesto, however, a written version can be found on the vote.je website and in the candidate manifesto booklet which you should have received.

Candidate for Connétable of St. Peter: Richard Vibert

SPEAKER_10 9:20

There is also a single candidate standing for Conotab of St. Peter, Richard Vibert, Independent.

SPEAKER_05 9:26

I'm standing for re-election as Consul of St. Peter. The key themes of my campaign are supporting the community and ensuring St. Peter remains a great place to live. The key issues that affect the parishioners are also relevant island wide. Housing, the cost of living, traffic, and PFAS pollution. Currently, 170 homes are being developed, but now we must protect our remaining countryside, agricultural land, and open spaces. Families face real challenges with the rising cost of living in Jersey. The cost of housing, childcare, food, and everyday expenses have all risen. I would support government assistance to grow more food locally. The high cost of importing food has to be addressed. Traffic and road safety also remain a concern. Volume of traffic and speeding are significant issues on our parish road. It is essential that the new developments introduce traffic calming measures. PFAS pollution is an issue which must be tackled by the next government if we are to protect future generations. The Environment Minister tried to introduce PFAS limits, but there is further work to be done before an effective law is introduced. As children minister, I understand the complex issues that can result in antisocial behavior and youth crime. We need more play and sporting facilities for teenage children. Another project which I commenced is the refurbishment of our senior citizens' accommodation built 50 years ago to bring it up to modern standards. I will continue to serve my parish and the island to the best of my ability, helping to maintain that important community spirit in the parish and the island as a whole.

How does the option 'None of the Candidates' work?

SPEAKER_10 11:18

As there is only one candidate standing for the role of Conotab in both St. Juan and St. Peter, there will be the option for voters in those parishes to choose none of the candidates. This option means that no candidate is automatically elected without opposition and is only available because there is the same number of candidates as there are vacancies. If none of the candidates receives the most votes on Sunday 7th of June, nobody will be elected to the role and there will be a by-election at a later date. Now it's the candidate standing for Deputy of St. Mary, St. Juan and St. Peter, beginning with

Candidate for Deputy of St. Mary, St. Ouen and St. Peter: David Benn

SPEAKER_10 11:51

David Ben, Independent.

SPEAKER_06 11:53

Hi, I'm David Ben, and I'm standing in this election for the Deputy of St. Juan, St. Peter and St. Mary for the same reasons as I had four years ago when I was very nearly elected. I've lived half of my life in St. Juan. I now live in St. Peter, and a large part of my farm was in St. Mary, so I have a very strong bond with these parishes. I farm for over 30 years and have also had a building coordination business in France. My record of service goes back to my early years. I was president of Pershall College of Horticulture Students, Chairman of the Jersey Farmers Union Potato Committee with a seat on the council and chaired many subcommittees. I was a director of the Jersey Producers and Merchants Organization Limited. I have served in the St. Juan and the St. John Honorary Police, including as spell as centenier. I have been involved with the charity Mustard Seed Jersey since its inception, and am now a trustee of the charity. I am on the board of the Societe Geriers. I have chaired the Geriers section. I am director of the Jersey National Park, large areas of which fall in these three parishes. So I have considerable experience in business, public service, dealing with politicians, civil servants, and I'm a very good communicator. I speak fluent French and I'm proud to speak Geriers. I am standing because I know that we need to do better for our children, grandchildren, and subsequent generations. Our government is spending too much, and we must plan long term for the future. We need to be actively developing more business, embracing AI with Europe and beyond, as well as the UK, and to fill the new positions of that business, we must expand Highlands and train our own young people. We must drive down the cost of living, improve health, particularly mental health, filter for PFAS, care for the environment, provide more housing and treat in-family carers more fairly. And we need to tackle the looming third age problem and care. I have the energy, the experience, the integrity, and the will to tackle the future.

Candidate for Deputy of St. Mary, St. Ouen and St. Peter: Helen Evans

SPEAKER_06 13:58

Thank you.

SPEAKER_10 13:58

Helen Evans, Reform Jersey.

SPEAKER_07 14:01

Hello, I am Helen Evans, and I'm again putting myself forward as a candidate for Deputy of St. Mary, St. Warren and St. Peter to represent you, the people of the part of the island where I grew up. I returned to Jersey in 2019 after many years living away, mainly in England with a short period in France in the late 90s. My education and professional experience while I lived outside the island have given me many skills that I believe would enable me to be an effective states member. I studied both text-based humanities disciplines and maths and statistics, giving me excellent analytical skills, the ability to analyse data and an awareness of the limitations of what we can do with data. I trained as an accountant at the UK National Audit Office, often described as the public sector watchdog. That gave me experience of managing public money of procurement. I later worked for a London-based accountancy firm doing international grant audits. That gave me experience again of procurement and of governance in a variety of private, public and third sector organisations. These are skills I could keep put to use in work on the Public Accounts Committee and working on such matters as the relationship of government with arms-length bodies and with the third sector, all of which are crucial to achieving value from under developing effective public services. For the past four years I served as chair of Reform Jersey, I remain convinced that with Ministerial Government, many political parties in Jersey, it's the best prospect for politics that looks for long-term sustainable policy, not just short-term wins. With my Reform Jersey colleagues, I pledged to prioritise the cost of living, preparing Jersey for the challenges of the future and restoring accountability to government. I ask you to consider giving me one of your votes on the 7th of June. Thank

Candidate for Deputy of St. Mary, St. Ouen and St. Peter: Russell Labey

SPEAKER_07 15:55

you.

SPEAKER_10 15:55

Russell Abbey, Independent.

SPEAKER_03 15:58

I think the island is crying out for a government that will live within its means, controls public spending, cuts down on waste. There are so many efficiencies which could be made. I want a government that listens to people, people struggling with the cost of living, and reduces the AMPO duties, certainly on fuel and possibly all the others, listens to pensioners, and at the very least raise the threshold at which pensioners start paying that hated double taxation. I want a government that's going to deliver. I was in the States for two terms as a deputy of St. Helier to 2014 to 2022, so the two previous terms, and I have a record in delivery. I was a prolific proposer of propositions, private members' propositions. I saved the airport's 1932 terminal building from demolition. As housing minister, I brought in lots of measures, tidied up lots of issues, including stopping foreign investors buying property in Jersey via share transfer. And as chairman of PPC, the body that runs the assembly, I brought in lots of reforms. I drove forward reforms, including cutting down the time that members can make speeches from indefinite to just 15 minutes. That wasn't an easy one to win. So I'm used to delivering too.

unknown 17:28

St.

SPEAKER_03 17:28

Warren's, St. Mary's, St. Peter's are country parishes. They've got to stay green. We've got to give our parishions, our young parishioners, the hope of buying a first-time home, and our older ones the chance to downsize if that's what they want to do. So I will deliver for you, and I hope you'll be able to give me one of your votes on Sunday, June the 7th. Thank you for listening.

Candidate for Deputy of St. Mary, St. Ouen and St. Peter: Arlene Maltman

SPEAKER_09 17:52

Arlene Maltman, Independent. Hi, I'm Arlene Maltman, and I'm standing in St. Mary, St. Juan and St. Peter. I care about parish life. I grew up in St. Juan, started surfing at a young age, became European champion, and went on to study in America. And I've worked in marketing and communications in our local, public and private sectors. I'm standing to protect what is special about our parishes, our communities and our natural environment. I want to improve connectivity, better cycle paths, and a hopper bus that connects the three parishes, providing access to local amenities and the Enid Kenno Centre. I'm standing because Jersey's changed. The number one challenge is the cost of living. Wages haven't kept up with inflation, everyone's feeling the strain. Add to that an aging population, unaffordable housing, and it's no wonder islanders are leaving and graduates aren't coming back. But we are resilient, and this election is your chance to vote for change. We need politicians to be brave and decisive, make changes that make a difference to the pockets of islanders. Look, for example, at the level of fuel duty and if it's right that GST is charged on food while other areas remain exempt. Financial services are the bedrock of our economy and must remain competitive. But we must also make sure we have a diverse economy with support for the digital, rural and visitor economies. We need less red tape and more support for entrepreneurs. Let's keep our money, talent and spending on island. If you'd like to hear more from me, please visit my website or follow me on social media.

Candidate for Deputy of St. Mary, St. Ouen and St. Peter: Chris Rebindaine

SPEAKER_10 19:50

Chris Rebendane, Independent.

SPEAKER_11 19:52

Hello, I'm Chris Rebendane, standing to be deputy in St. Mary's, St. Warren's and St. Peter. My family bought a farmhouse in St. Mary in 1982, and we've had a home there ever since. I've had a 40-year career in financial services and five years at the Law Officer's Department, and that's a fairly unique CV of combined public sector and private sector experience, which I think could be useful for the next assembly. The island's economy needs a boost, and people need to know that they can afford more than just the basics. My plan is to re-energise the island with a healthy jersey built on four pillars. The first pillar is healthy finances. The government must live within its means and loosen its grip on the economy. With finances stabilised, we can afford to build the hospital with a clear conscience and cut your duties and taxes. The second is a healthy economy. We just need regulations fit for a nine by five island. Government does not necessarily know best. And tourism needs a shot in the arm. So let's bring all interested parties together to make that happen. For land and water, I'd like us to support our agriculture and fisheries industries to create sustainable, resilient food production in order to be part of our tourism offering. And talking of water, the DFDS contract is a farce. They're a commercial operator, we're an unhappy customer, let's sit down and fix it. On PFAS, there's an informed debate about the levels there and the costs, and we just need to get to a position we can all agree on. Finally, let's build the acute hospital, train up locals to be nurses and medics to run it, and let's instill healthy habits with our children in their schooling. I believe I can represent the parishes in the next assembly to create a healthy jersey for the 2030s. Please let's think local, act local, and vote for me on the 7th of June. Thank you.

SPEAKER_10 21:47

Lucy

Candidate for Deputy of St. Mary, St. Ouen and St. Peter: Lucy Stephenson

SPEAKER_10 21:48

Stevenson, Independent.

SPEAKER_08 21:50

Hi, I'm Lucy Stevenson, and for the past four years I've had the privilege of being one of the deputies for St. Mary, St. One, and St Peter. I'm now standing for re-election, again as an independent candidate. I live in St. Juan with my husband and our three children, and the vision that I'm presenting at this election has been developed over the past four years as I've listened, engaged, and learned. And this past political term has not been without its challenges. We've had two governments, and there has been a great deal of delay and distraction on some really key issues as a result of that change in leadership. But it has also enabled me to learn quickly. First as an assistant minister within government and then on the backbenches as an active member of scrutiny. And those experiences mean that if I am re-elected, I'm ready to hit the ground running. And that's a really good job because there's an awful lot to do. My vision is for a community working together to build a happier, healthier, more resilient population, making Jersey an even better place to live, to work, to bring up children, to invest and to do business. We need to find sustainable solutions to some long-term challenges which for too long has been left in the too difficult pile. We need to carefully balance the increasing need for fiscal prudence and learning to live within our means with our responsibilities to deliver for islanders and to protect our environment for future generations. Government should be working as an enabler, creating and nurturing environments for business, charities and individuals to thrive. Our parishes of St Mary, St Juan and St Peter, each of them special and unique, but with many shared opportunities and challenges, have an important role to play. Please consider voting for me on the 7th

Outro; further information on Vote.je

SPEAKER_08 23:59

of June.

SPEAKER_10 24:02

That's the candidate standing in St Mary, St. Juan and St Peter for either Conotab or Deputy on Sunday, the 7th of June. You can cast one vote in the Conotab election for your parish, and you can vote for up to three candidates standing for deputy in your constituency. If you want to find out more about them, you can read their manifestos on the vote.je website or in the manifesto booklet. You can also follow each of the hostings events via our website.