Election issues predicted as countdown begins

The cost-of-living, affordable housing, healthcare, education, and the new hospital are Jersey's top issues for voters in the upcoming election, the island's official election guide has said.

Jersey's island-wide election takes place in five months on Sunday, 7 June, and politicians have started to announce the roles they intend to stand for.

Political commentator Susana Rowles predicted important issues could be government spending and the island's ageing population.

Rowles said: "We need to remember that we can't spend money that we haven't got and I really want people at this election to ask politicians the right questions."

Rowles said she wanted those standing for election to be challenged on the extent of government spending because the island is heading into a period of "fiscal squeeze".

She said the island's ageing population puts more pressure on the tax base because the demographic is the most costly to the government.

She said she wanted to know how future politicians were going to curb current spending and reduce the cost of the island's ageing population.

Deputy Elaine Millar said she wanted to stand for election as senator, after leading the proposal to have the role returned to the States Assembly.

Millar wanted to bring senators back to the Assembly because she hoped an island-wide role would address low voter turnout.

Simon Crowcroft said he would not stand for re-election as constable of St Helier - a role he has held since 2001.

Deputy David Warr said he would run for the role, which was like leading "a mini government" because the parish was responsible for infrastructure, health, workplaces and housing for the largest population.

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