Deputy Farnham picks new council of ministers in Jersey

Deputy Lyndon Farnham had the weekend to come up with his shortlist of preferred candidates

Deputy Sam Mezec could return to the job of Jersey's housing minister in the new Chief Minister's council.

Deputy Lyndon Farnham has come up with his shortlist of preferred candidates after being elected as Chief Minister designate on Thursday.

Mr Mezec's Reform Jersey colleague deputy Lyndsay Feltham could also take over social security.

Any nominations which are contested will be voted on in the States on Tuesday.

Deputy Ian Gorst, who ran against Mr Farnham for the top job, would move from the treasury to External Relations with that department also taking on responsibility for Financial Services from the Chief Minister.

Constable Andy Jehan would take over the Infrastructure job, as Deputy Tom Binet would lead the health department, concentrating on plans for the new hospital.

Mr Farnham has also proposed splitting the existing Children and Education department into two new ministries with a Minister for Education and Learning and a Minister for Children.

Analysis: Freddie Miller, BBC Jersey Political Reporter

After being chosen last week as Jersey's next Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham said he would put together "a more inclusive" top team, including members of the previous government, members of Reform Jersey and other backbenchers.

All three of those categories are represented in this list.

But while he has spoken a great deal in the past few days about a need for change, it is worth noting that seven of the 12 politicians nominated by Mr Farnham were, at one point or another, members of Deputy Kristina Moore's government.

Five of those nominated have previously done the job they are now being put forward for: Deputies Mezec, Labey, Luce, Morel and Gorst.

Three of the twelve - Deputies Mary Le Hegarat, Lyndsay Feltham and Rob Ward - have never before been either a Minister or an Assistant Minister.

But remember, the States Assembly - not Mr Farnham - will have the final say on who gets each Ministerial job.

Mr Mezec is due to face a challenge for his position, after Deputy David Warr told me last week that he wanted to continue as Minister for Housing and Communities.

Other contests are also expected.

If Mr Farnham's nominations are all approved, though, he will become the leader of a government which includes members from across the political spectrum.

And despite all the talk about consensus, collaboration and coalitions, following the divisions and disagreements of the past eighteen months, some will wonder how long it might be until the first cracks begin to appear.

The full list of nominations has been published on the States website.

Other members can also make nominations for ministerial posts with a vote taking place by States members if there is more than one candidate.

When all the Ministers have been chosen, the Council of Ministers is formed and Mr Farnham would officially become Chief Minister.

Mr Farnham was voted in to replace Deputy Kristina Moore following a no-confidence vote.