Deputy Helen Miles to stand for Senator in June election.

Deputy Helen Miles has announced that she will be an independent candidate for Senator at the General Election in June.

Helen was elected to the States in 2022 as a Deputy of St Brelade and has served as Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Chair of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, and Vice Chair of the Scrutiny Liaison Committee. She also chaired the Parishes and Government Review Panel which recently published recommendations to strengthen the parish system.

During her time in the States, Helen has successfully brought propositions to ensure that 50% of new homes on the Waterfront must be affordable housing for first-time buyers, to fast-track delivery of the West of Island Planning Framework, and to kick-start work on the regeneration of Les Quennevais Precinct.

As a Minister, Helen established the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce, delivered the Building a Safer Community Framework, introduced a new three-year work permit to support the hospitality sector, and negotiated a scheme to increase the number of French day travellers.

Before entering politics, Helen spent over 30 years working in Jersey’s public service in Customs and Immigration, Probation and Aftercare, the States Police, and as a Director of Policy. She was a founding member of the charity Autism Jersey and previously served as its Vice-Chair. Helen has a PhD in Social Sciences, specialising in criminal justice and Jersey’s unique Honorary Police and Parish Hall Enquiry system.

Helen is standing for Senator to deliver positive change for Jersey. During the election campaign, Helen will be focusing on issues including the cost of living; controlling public spending; and supporting a sustainable community by increasing access to affordable housing, improving opportunities for young people, and ensuring Jersey remains a safe and vibrant island.

Helen commented:

“I am very pleased to announce that I will be standing as an independent candidate for Senator. As an island, we are facing a number of significant challenges, and we need States Members who can stand up for Jersey, grow our economy, and support our wonderful community.

“We need to assist islanders with the cost of living and access to both affordable first-time buyer housing, and family homes. If we are to succeed into the future, it is vital that Jersey is a safe, vibrant, and affordable island for people to live in and raise their family.

“The next Government must get public spending under control, ensure we live within our means, and think long-term. This should include restoring the full grant to the Social Security Fund and replenishing the Stabilisation Fund.  

I have a strong local policy background, and a record of working across the political spectrum to deliver community-based policies that are suitable for Jersey. At this time of global instability, I believe I can offer the unity, experience and leadership we need. We must work together to build on our strengths, deal with our challenges, and deliver positive change for Jersey.”

Helen is currently developing a full manifesto, which will be published in due course. She would be pleased to hear from islanders on the issues that matter to them, and to listen to their views on the challenges and opportunities facing Jersey in the coming years. Helen can be contacted by email at H.Miles@gov.je