Unite supports 'no confidence' vote in Jersey's chief minister

Unite is supporting a vote of ‘no confidence’ in Jersey’s chief minister John Le Fondré  tomorrow (November 10) over allegations that the government’s CEO Charlie Parker had failed to secure the necessary written authority regarding a second job.

Unite is supporting Reform Jersey’s members in The States Assembly in the vote of ‘no confidence’ over John Le Fondré’s handling of the affair and his failure to show adequate leadership.

Recently, it has been revealed that Charlie Parker, the chief executive officer of the Government of Jersey, has taken on a non-executive directorship for a UK-based real estate company. It has become clear that Mr. Parker, CEO since 2017, failed to secure written confirmation from his employer – the States Employment Board (SEB).

Ministers decided a week ago that Mr. Parker’s second job is not compatible with his role as government’s chief executive. It is also understood that Mr Parker has refused to resign from his second role.

Reform Jersey’s States members will be supporting the vote of ‘no confidence’. In order to do so, senator Sam Mézec and deputy Montfort Tadier have resigned their positions as minister for children and housing, and assistant minister for economic development, respectively – a decision hailed by Unite as ‘brave, courageous, and the right thing to do’.

Unite wants John Le Fondré to step down if he loses the vote of ‘no confidence’ and Charlie Parker to jettison his second job.

Unite regional secretary Steve Preddy said, “We wholeheartedly support the brave decisions of the Reform Jersey government members. Such a decision is not taken lightly, but is to be applauded.

“This row is the latest in a long line of shortcomings of the chief minister that have seen our members’ jobs lost and public money wasted,” he added. “John Le Fondré doesn’t fill our members with confidence and, as such, Unite urges Jersey’s politicians to support this vote of ‘no confidence’.

“Unite also urges the SEB do the right thing and enforce the ministers’ decision, ensuring Mr. Parker is brought into line and acts responsibly.”

Unite represents thousands of members in Jersey and is the biggest trade union on the island.

By Shaun Noble