Diversity of Jersey States Assembly 'fragile'

Deputy Lucy Stephenson has called for more women to stand for election

A Jersey politician has described the diversity of the States Assembly as fragile.

More women than ever before were elected in the last election and now make up 43% of elected officials.

But Deputy Lucy Stephenson is concerned that this could change in next election year's election.

She has been encouraging more women and more people from different backgrounds to stand for election to maintain the diversity of the States Assembly.

Deputy Stephenson was elected in 2022 to represent St Mary, St Ouen and St Peter.

She said the diversity of the States "while it's positive now, is still quite fragile... it still feels a delicate balance".

She continued: "I worry that in the eyes of some people, [they] will think that we've got more women into the States Assembly and now we don't need to think about it - and that's absolutely not the case."

The next election has been set for 7 June 2026.