Timetable for return of senator roles outlined

A law to bring back senators at the States of Jersey is set to be drafted

Officials have outlined the next steps for the reintroduction of senators in Jersey at the 2026 election.

The States Assembly said a law to bring back nine senator positions would be written by the Legislative Drafting Office before it is brought for debate and final approval.

If approved by members, the law would be signed off by the Privy Council before returning to the assembly to set a date for when it would come into effect, the States said.

It said a date for the 2026 election was due to be debated by the assembly during a meeting on 1 April.

Politicians last week voted 25-20 in favour of bringing back senators - a role which was abolished in the 2021 election.

Two dates lodged

Under the proposal put forward by Deputy Elaine Millar, a deputy in each of the nine voting districts in Jersey would be replaced with a senator elected on an island-wide basis.

The States said the Privileges and Procedures Committee had lodged a proposition to hold the next election on 7 June, 2026.

An amendment to the proposition has been tabled by Deputy Kristina Moore for an alternative date of 26 April, 2026.