What is happening
Jersey held its general election on 8 June 2026, the first time the poll was conducted on a Sunday 5. According to multiple outlets, Lyndon Farnham is set to continue as Chief Minister after no other States member put their name forward by the deadline 34. The BBC reports Farnham, who topped the senatorial poll with the third-highest vote count, will face questions from the States Assembly on 19 June before formally taking office on 29 June 4.
The election returned 22 women to the 49-seat States Assembly, representing 45% of members, according to Bailiwick Express 9. The same outlet reports Gabriel Raimondo, who turned 18 shortly before the election, became Jersey's youngest-ever politician after winning a deputy seat for St Brelade 89. The previous record was held by Jeremy Maçon, elected at 21 in 2008 8.
ITV and Bailiwick Express report that Value Jersey, a political movement focused on cost-of-living issues, made gains whilst Reform Jersey suffered losses 79. The BBC states seven Reform Jersey candidates were elected 9. Helen Miles topped the senatorial poll, according to multiple sources 910.
Why it matters
Channel Eye reports turnout fell to an estimated 32%, down from 42% in the previous 2022 election, despite the number of voters increasing from 25,334 to 27,133 5. The Policy Centre Jersey, cited by Channel Eye, noted that automatic voter registration significantly increased the number of registered voters but did not translate to higher participation rates 5. Jersey's 32% turnout sits well below all OECD countries, according to the same analysis 5.
The election saw several structural changes to Jersey's electoral system, according to the BBC. Independent observers noted these included the return of senators, automatic voter registration, and the Sunday polling date, all of which "generated challenges, including undue pressures on the electoral administration" 2. The Election Observation Mission is due to deliver preliminary findings soon, with a full report in three months, and may recommend law changes regarding spending rules for political movements 2.
The shift to Sunday voting cost taxpayers an additional £130,000, according to figures cited by Bailiwick Express from the Privileges and Procedures Committee 11. Advance voting nearly doubled, with 2,795 votes cast at pre-poll stations compared to 1,508 in 2022, though postal voting applications fell from 2,709 to 1,729 11.
Who is involved
Lyndon Farnham, nominated by eight elected States members, is the sole candidate for Chief Minister 4. The BBC reports Philip Miles, a fellow States member, expressed gratitude for Farnham's "constructive approach" and noted Farnham has "a strong level of support within the States Assembly" 4. Farnham has indicated he will nominate Miles as Justice and Home Affairs Minister if appointed 4.
Value Jersey, described by Bailiwick Express as a voluntary organisation funded by islanders, faced scrutiny over its status as a political movement 17. The group stated it received 58 donations ranging from £1 to £10,000, with most under £500, and reported engaging with the Information Commissioner and Jersey Electoral Authority regarding transparency 17. Eight candidates endorsed the movement's priorities, according to Bailiwick Express 917.
Gabriel Raimondo, the 18-year-old newly elected deputy, postponed his A-levels to campaign on cost-of-living issues, according to the BBC 8. He adopted policies put forward by Value Jersey and used social media extensively during his campaign 8. Helen Miles, who topped the senatorial poll, and Ian Gorst, who won in the most individual parishes, were among the senior figures elected 9.
The Jersey Electoral Authority, led by Judicial Greffier Rebecca Morley-Kirk, oversaw the election and issued warnings about false or misleading information circulating online 12. The BBC reports the authority received complaints about misleading comments and is reviewing certain websites and social media pages 12.
What to watch next
The States Assembly will meet on 19 June for Farnham to make a statement and face up to one hour of questions, after which he is taken to have been selected as Chief Minister designate 3. All ministers will formally take up their positions at a States meeting on 29 June 34.
The Election Observation Mission's preliminary report is due "soon", with full findings expected within three months, according to the BBC 2. The Jersey Electoral Authority has indicated it may recommend changes to the law, "likely to include matters relating to political movements", to ensure greater clarity over spending rules 2.
A full recount has been ordered for the St Helier Central deputy position after the initial vote was very close, according to ITV 6. Bailiwick Express reports the smallest margin of victory was in St Helier South, where Carla Jardim missed out by 27 votes 9.
The new assembly faces pressure to address cost-of-living concerns that dominated campaign messaging. Value Jersey's "purple book" proposes "priorities and practical policies to help people through the cost-of-living crisis, cut government waste, and reboot the local economy", according to Bailiwick Express 17. Reform Jersey's manifesto, cited by the group's website, frames the choice ahead as one between "managed decline or island renewal" 1.