Jersey Government

The Government of Jersey

(To go straight to the structure of our States, click here)

Background leading to our independent status

By the 900s Vikings and Norsemen had migrated southwards and settled in the area of France known as Normandy. By 911 Charles the Simple of France ceded Normandy to King Rollo, leader of the Norsemen, and Rollo's son, William Longsword annexed the Cotentin Peninsula and the Channel Islands into the Duchy of Normandy.

In 1066 William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold and England fell under Norman rule. In 1204 the King of France reclaimed Normandy and the Channel Islands retained their allegiance to the English Crown (our Duke of Normandy). It is at this time that a long period of hostilities between France and England began and the Channel Islands suffered sustained attacks causing great misery and suffering.

In 1341, Edward III issued the following Royal Charter:

'Mindful of the fidelity of our beloved men of the islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Alderney and of how much they have lost and endured in bodily peril in defence of our lawful rights and honour, we grant on behalf of ourselves and our heirs the concession of all liberties, immunities, exemptions and customs given by our forbears, the Kings of England, or other legal authority, sanctioning the having and holding of them by the island inhabitants without impediment or molestation by ourselves, our heirs and our servants whomever they be.

Lawfully confirmed 10th July, 1341'

This and subsequent Royal Charters, ensured the independence of the Channel Islands and gave us important privileges, including the right to duty free trade with England and freedom from English taxes. While we are under the 'protective arm' of the UK Government, and are represented by them in matters of international relations, island authorities are consulted before any agreement is reached which would apply here.

Structure of the States of Jersey

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Lieutenant Governor

Bailiff

Deputy Bailiff

Attorney General

Solicitor General

Dean of Jersey

12 States Senators (serve for a 6 year period in total)

29 Elected deputies (serve for a 3 year period)

12 Elected Parish Connétables (serve for a 3 year period)

The Lieutenant Governor

(Currently Air Chief Marshall Sir John Cheshire, KBE, CB, appointed 24 January 2001)

It is the Lieutenant Governor's role to act as the monarch's personal representative and he is the official link between the Crown, the States of Jersey and the UK Government. The Lt. Governor has the right to speak in the States assembly but not the right to vote (this is only for elected members of government).

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The Bailiff

(Currently Sir Philip Bailhache. Appointed February 1995)

Deputy Bailiff

(Currently Michael Cameron St.John Birt. Appointed 10th February, 2000)

These are Crown appointments and share the responsibility of presiding over the States Assembly and the Royal Court. The Bailiff and Deputy Bailiff have the right to speak in the States assembly and also have a casting vote.

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H.M. Attorney General

(Currently William Bailhache Q.C. Appointed 16th February, 2000)

Solicitor General

(Currently Miss Stephanie Nicolle Q.C. Appointed January 1994)

Again, these are Crown appointments. The Attorney General and Solicitor General act as legal advisers on behalf of the States and the Crown, but as non-elected members do not have the right to vote.

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The Dean of Jersey

(Currently The Very Reverend Robert Frederick Key. Appointed 6th October 2005)

Again, as a non-elected member of the States, the Dean has no right to vote.

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ELECTED STATES MEMBERS

General elections are held every three years, at which time all States Deputies will stand for re-election and half of the Senators (the remaining six will stand for re-election 3 years after that).

Senators (12) Up to date full listings of States members can be seen by visiting here.

At the moment these are:

Michael Vibert

Jean Le Maistre

Paul Routier

Edward Vibert

Philip Ozouf

Stuart Syvret

Leonard Norman

Frank Walker

Ms. Wendy Kinnard

Terence Le Sueur

Paul Le Claire

Richard Shenton

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Deputies (29)

Deputies are elected in the Parish in which they preside (the larger Parishes being separated into districts).

For up to date listings please visit here

Connétables (12)

The 12 island Parishes each have their own Connétable who presides over an Assembly of Principals, dealing with Parish affairs such as welfare payments, street lighting and the honorary police force. As elected States members, they have the right to vote.

Up to date listings of States members can be seen by visiting here

For further information regarding Jersey government, please visit their website here for an idea of the structure and workings of government.

Alternatively, the States of Jersey Government Website provides a more generalised view of island life.

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