Farnham only candidate running for chief minister

Lyndon Farnham is set to continue as Jersey's chief minister after no other elected States members put their name forward.

Farnham, who has held the role since January 2024, received the third most votes in the senator election on Sunday behind Helen Miles - who topped the poll - and former chief minister Ian Gorst.

As the only person to get the required six nominations by 17:00 BST on Thursday, Farnham is due to be selected as chief minister-designate on 19 June after making a statement and facing questions from the States Assembly.

As nobody is challenging Farnham for the role, States members will not be asked to cast votes, the States Greffe confirmed.

At the States meeting on 29 June, all ministers - including the chief minister - will formally take up their positions, it added.

Farnham was nominated by eight elected States members - Miles, Alan Maclean, Mary Le Hegarat, Mark Boleat, Arlene Maltman, Malcolm Ferey, Richard Honeycombe and Mark Labey.

In a joint statement from Miles and Farnham, the latter said if appointed, he would nominate his colleague as justice and home affairs minister.

The statement added: "This arrangement provides stability and continuity at the highest level of government, while also bringing senator-elect Miles back into government in a role that reflects her experience and expertise."

Senator-elect Miles said: "I am grateful to Lyndon for his constructive approach to our discussions this week."

She added Farnham had "a strong level of support" within the States Assembly to continue in his current role, adding it was therefore important to come to "a mutual agreement for the benefit of the island".

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.