Tension at the top – a year in Jersey politics

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.