Tension at the top - a year in Jersey politics

Jersey's government's billion-pound budget was approved by the States Assembly in December

Jersey's government should be entering 2024 with renewed authority following the approval of its billion-pound budget.

But discontent within the States Chamber and the Council of Ministers itself could create challenges.

A final vote of 33-13 meant more backbenchers voted against the budget than at any time since 2014.

The chief minister has refused to rule out a government reshuffle as stories swirl about tensions at the top table.

It comes after a year of disagreements within Broad Street led to the resignation of Constable Andy Jehan and the appointment of Constable Simon Crowcroft as an assistant chief minister.

'Deeply uncomfortable'

There were changes at the top of the Civil Service too, as chief executive Suzanne Wylie resigned, then left three months earlier than planned, and was replaced by interim CEO Andrew McLaughlin.

Deputy Kristina Moore and Deputy Chief Minister Kirsten Morel were later cleared of deliberately misleading the States Assembly after a delay in announcing Ms Wylie's departure.

The Infrastructure Minister criticised Ms Moore's handling of the situation.

And although he remained in his post, as the new year beckons there are again question marks over Deputy Tom Binet's future within the Council of Ministers, after he told the BBC he felt "deeply uncomfortable" as a member of government.

Any change to his role would create fresh uncertainty over plans for multi-site health facilities, which are due to be debated in the States Assembly before the 2024 summer recess.

Chief Minister Kristina Moore has refused to rule out a government reshuffle

Ministers expect an acute facility at Overdale to cost £675m to construct, but the total budget for the rest of the planned units remains unclear.

Meanwhile, in terms of other big projects, the government is considering whether a wind farm and a bridge to France could boost Jersey's economy and resilience.

But the previous Council of Ministers' plans to regenerate Fort Regent were scrapped due to their potential cost, leading to questions over the site's future.

'Increasing costs'

Indeed, the impact on Jersey of high inflation has been an ever-present theme throughout 2023.

Increasing costs have led to the closure of a number of high-profile local businesses, including the Jersey Reds, De Mond Gymnastics Academy, Nude Food and building firms JP Mauger and Camerons.

Price rises were also a key factor in Royal Mail's decision to discontinue Jersey's mail plane service, Condor's plans to hike freight charges by 18.76% and a year-long row that saw headteachers and members of the NASUWT accept a pay deal, while members of the NEU remain in dispute.

Meanwhile, increased mortgage costs contributed to the lowest turnover of properties for at least two decades.

Ministers hope a £10m shared equity scheme due to come into effect in 2024 will help to turn the tide.

'Government reacts'

As well as enacting planned policies, the government was forced to react to flooding and the impacts of Storm Ciaran, although ministers faced criticism for their response to an island-wide gas outage.

In the States Assembly, two attempts to bring back the role of the senator at the next election were thrown out, while significant votes meant that toxic waste could continue to be dumped at La Collette, and that a licence will be required for each rented home in Jersey from 1 May 2024.

Two deputies were told to apologise for breaching the code of conduct for elected members, one lost his role as a Scrutiny leader, and a minister resigned his responsibilities for Financial Services.

In the months to come, the outcomes of a review of the measures taken in Jersey to tackle financial crime and of a delayed vote on legalising assisted dying are both likely to attract the interest of international observers.