Rob England
BBC News Online

Senator Le Fondre has given an indication of what his Council of Minsters might look like if he is elected as Jersey's next chief minister.

He said he would like:

• Senator Ian Gorst as the minister for external relations
• Senator Tracey Vallois as education minister
• Senator Sam Mezec for housing and the new minister responsible for children's affairs

He also mentioned "agreeing" with the Deputy of Grouville, Carolyn Labey, that there should be an "international relations minister" to "run in parallel" with external relations.

Senator Le Fondre says he currently has four candidates in mind for treasury minister, but would not name anyone at this time.

The Council of Ministers will be chosen on the 7 and 8 June.

Rob England
BBC News Online

Senator John Le Fondre is the first to speak to the States Assembly in the meeting to select the island's next chief minister.

He faces Senator Ian Gorst, the current chief minister.

Senator Le Fondre begins by saying he stands for inclusiveness, and he denies allegations he is "homophobic" based on his support of a conscience clause for same-sex marriage laws in Jersey. The clause was thrown out.

He has said, if he is elected, Senator Gorst, "does not lose", and has echoed his previous offer of making him external relations minister.

He also references a "current level of dissatisfaction" with the previous government, in particular he described the leadership of the hospital project as a "public relations disaster".

Rob England
BBC News Online

Senator Le Fondre has brushed off his French whilst taking questions from States members before politicians choose Jersey's next chief minister.

He was challenged by St John Constable, Christopher Taylor, who said language skills could be important in Brexit negotiations.

BBC Radio Jersey

One of our reporters found thousands of dead fish at Archirondel beach. Jersey, on Saturday.

Thousands of the tiny fish were across the low tide mark - but strangely there were no seagulls eating them.

Does anyone know what type of fish they are?

We've asked the Environment Department if they know what's going on, we'll let you know what they say...

Chris Quevatre
BBC News Online

Jersey's chief fire officer has announced he will be retiring at the end of June.

Mark James has held the role since June 2007, in addition to be being Jersey's Emergency Planning Officer since October 2015.

The fire service has credited him with reducing the amount of fires in the island through various safety programmes, such as the Schools Fire Safety Education Programme called "Sparks".

There were 177 fires in Jersey last year, the lowest number since records began is 1962.

Rob England
BBC News Online

It was "entirely appropriate" for Jersey's Bailiff to comment on an upcoming debate on his role, a spokeswoman representing him has said.

Last week, a politician criticised Sir William Bailhache for his opening remarks as newly elected politicians were being sworn in.

The Bailiff's speech made references to an upcoming debate, external on when to hold a referendum about whether to abolish his role as speaker in the States Assembly. Some members feel this function of the Bailiff's role is not appropriate because he is also the head of the island's law courts.

Mr Bailhache said he hoped a referendum would happen to "put the issue to bed" and said debates so far had been "unhelpful" and had an "inhibiting effect" on his role as presiding officer.

Deputy Montfort Tadier called the comments were "outrageous" and said: "Will he be telling us how to vote on everything?"

A spokeswoman for the Bailiff said members "will and should vote according to their conscience", and added his comments were "entirely appropriate" as the propositions would have an impact on his job.

"[He] is surprised that anyone should think otherwise," the spokeswoman added.

The debate is due on 26 June.

Chris Quevatre
BBC News Online

Guernsey Electricity has restored power to L'Islet.

Residents in the area had been without electricity for just over an hour.

Guernsey Press

An open-air public meeting will be held outside the former Havelet Brewery, external later this month to discuss proposed changes to the road layout.

Chris Quevatre
BBC News Online

Politicians and campaigners have been discussing whether to investigate legalising assisted dying in Jersey.

It follows a similar debate in Guernsey last month, where politicians decided not to introducing the practice - instead voting to improve palliative care.

A meeting of campaigners and States members was organised by Tanya Tupper, who's campaigning for assisted dying on behalf of her mother Roberta.

Ms Tupper believes that while some people may not agree with the principle of allowing someone ill to take their own life, individuals should have the right to decide.

Chris Quevatre
BBC News Online

Work to repair the wall at Vazon Bay begins today, as part of the capital programme to repair and upgrade Guernsey's coastal defences.

The work involves repointing the wall on both the seaward and landward sides of the area opposite La Grande Mare Hotel.

The States said it shouldn't affect traffic, although there's likely to be some impact on parking in the area.

There will be scaffolding on the seaward side of the wall at all times during the work, and people are being warned there's likely to be an increase in dust and noise in the area.

The coastal works at Vazon are estimated to take 28 weeks, but the States said it's being organised in a way that should enable free access on to the beach during the summer months.

The wall needed major repairs in 2014 after being breached during a storm.

Chris Quevatre
BBC News Online

Guernsey's politicians have been contacted by the UK government to try and establish a reciprocal health agreement.

The lack of a current agreement since 2009 means islanders travelling to the UK have not been covered by the NHS, and English tourists in Guernsey have also had to pay for any healthcare problems while on holiday.

Image source, Getty Images

Many elderly islanders have complained that - because there's no health agreement - they either can't obtain travel insurance, or that the premiums are prohibitively high

President of the Committee for Employment and Social Security, Michelle Le Clerc, said the UK are looking at reciprocal agreements as part of the work on Brexit work.

Chris Quevatre
BBC News Online

Turkish delight?

I can never remember the rhyme, but there was a stunning sunset in Guernsey last night.

Check out this photo from Chris Cumulus...

Meanwhile in Jersey, Dramallama snapped this photo...

Chris Quevatre
BBC News Online

Guernsey's lifeboat was in action last night to help a yacht in trouble off Icart Bay.

All electrical power had been lost, and those on board were unable to restart the engine and didn't feel confident they'd be able to sail back to St Peter Port.

The Spirit of Guernsey was able to assist after receiving the call - towing the boat back to St Peter Port shortly after 18:00.

Chris Quevatre
BBC News Online

There could be a bit of sun in Jersey today, but it's mainly looking like cloud.

Chris Quevatre
BBC News Online

It's looking like a cloudy day in Guernsey, with a chance of thunder later.

Twitter

There is currently a power cut in the L'Islet area in Guernsey.

Engineers are on site to try and fix the problem, but there's no estimated time for repairs at the moment.

BBC Radio Jersey

Jersey's next chief minister will be decided later.

Two politicians, Senator Ian Gorst, the island's current chief minister, and Senator John Le Fondre - have put themselves forward for the role.

Image source, Vote.je

Lots will be drawn to decide which candidate will address the Assembly first, with each one speaking for up to 10 minutes, followed by up to an hour of questions for members.

It will be up to their colleagues to decide which one will take on the responsibilities of the island's most senior politician, using the electronic voting system.

You can listen to the States sitting live on BBC Radio Jersey here.