Assembly Vote Backs Conservative Dissolution Act as Chief Minister Says Democracy “Defended”

December 30, 2025

The Chief Minister has sought to close the debate over the government’s most controversial legislation yet, insisting that the suspension of Conservative members was approved through “parliamentary democracy, not executive fiat”. In a firm statement issued after today’s sitting of the States Assembly, Chief Minister Garry Thomas confirmed that the Conservative Dissolution Act 2026 was passed following more than an hour of debate. The final vote was 28 in favour, 18 against, with three abstentions. “That is not executive fiat. That is parliamentary democracy,” Mr Thomas said. “Democracy defended, not attacked” Addressing critics who have accused the government of overreach, the Chief Minister argued that the Assembly’s decision represented a defence of democratic institutions rather than an erosion of them. “Today, the States Assembly did not attack democracy — it defended it,” he said. Mr Thomas again linked the legislation to allegations of large-scale financial misconduct under previous Conservative-led governments, claiming billions of pounds had been “siphoned, hidden, and misused behind closed doors”. He rejected accusations that the Act undermines due process, stating that it does not jail, convict, or silence any individual member. Preventive measure amid investigations The Chief Minister described the Act as a safeguard designed to prevent a party under active investigation from continuing to operate as normal inside Parliament. “What it does is stop a political machine — under active investigation — from continuing to operate inside our Parliament as if nothing happened,” he said. He added that those who are innocent “have nothing to fear”, while those found guilty should no longer be able to rely on party structures during investigations. Defiant tone as legal challenges loom Mr Thomas struck a defiant tone, saying he would not apologise for prioritising integrity over political comfort and openly inviting court challenges to the legislation. “Let the court challenges come. Let the outrage come,” he said, adding that the government had been elected “to clean house”. Legal experts say challenges to the Act are now likely, particularly around proportionality and the collective suspension of elected representatives. Supporters of the government argue the clear Assembly majority gives the legislation democratic legitimacy. A pivotal moment The vote marks a turning point in Jersey’s political crisis, shifting the focus from executive intent to parliamentary authority. With investigations by the Jersey Financial Watchdog ongoing, the consequences of today’s decision are expected to play out both in the courts and in public opinion. For now, the Chief Minister has drawn a clear line: the government will not retreat. “Jersey deserves the truth,” he said. “And we are not backing down.”

Recent Politics News

Download App

This article was generated using the WeReport app, download today and create your own article!