La Baguette

by Geoff Cornwall

It was a long and sometimes arduous road for the eleven candidates in total seeking election for just three places for the two St. Brelade Districts.
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In No.1 District, Noirmint and Le Coin, there were just 3 candidates fighting for the single seat left vacant by Senator Elect Sarah Ferguson who had been Deputy of No.1 for the last 6 years.
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No. 1 has a long history of returning female candidates and continued in that tradition by electing Angela Jeune who had a clear majority over her two rivals, Mark Sutton and Alan Beadle. After the teturning officers announcement, an obviously delighted Angela thanked everyone for their support, and promised to serve the Parish to he best ability. .
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Always hotly contested, No.2 District of Les Quennevais and La Moye, saw an unprecedented eight candidates fighting for just 2 places; one left vacant by Deputy Peter Troy’s decision not to seek re-election. .
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It was therefore not surprising that Communicare became quit hushed when Returning Officer Jurat Sally Le Brocq was ready to read out the result, made earlier than anticipated at just after 9.35pm. .
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After reading the results in alphabetical order it became clear sitting Deputy Sean Power had comfortably retained his seat with an increased majority, and topping the poll as predicted. The second seat went to newcomer, and Time4Change candidate Montfort Tadier, who fresh from his Senatorial campaign had a clear gap over the next 3 places - all of which were surprisingly close. .
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The two returned Deputies, visibly much relieved and delighted with their success thanked their supporters and the electors of St. Brelade No. 2, and took the opportunity to acknowledge the strong challenges mounted by the other candidates. .
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It was also a night of some sadness for the unsuccessful candidates: .
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Third place went to first-time candidate Mervyn Le Masurier, and fourth to ‘ La Baguette’ Editor Jeff Hathaway, who had passed over editorial control after the Semptember Edition in order to stand for election. He commented: "Disappointed as I am not to have secured a seat, I have no regrets in standing. It was an enjoyable experience and I congratulate both Sean and Montfort on their election." .
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Graham Truscott, another first time candidate finished in fifth place ahead of Martha Bernstein, wife of former Parish Deputy Julian Bernstein. Both were magnanimous in defeat and congratulated the winning pair. .
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The turnout was 40.52% very much the same as the 2005 election in the district, which on that occassion had seven candidates. .
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The publication of this edition of La Baguette was delayed in order to carry the results of the election and this news story - Ed.
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