A Word from Our CEO, Murray Norton, April 2026

With the next Jersey election now just weeks away, we are entering a period that should command both our attention and our respect. Elections are not simply moments of political theatre; they are the foundation stones of how our Island is governed, how decisions are made, and ultimately how our economy and community are shaped.

First, to those who have chosen to stand.

It is no small thing. In fact, it is one of the bravest decisions anyone in public life can make. To put your name forward is to step into a very public arena, to be scrutinised, challenged, questioned and judged. It is to accept that despite your effort, your ideas and your commitment, you may not persuade enough people to elect you.

And that matters.

Because while those who are successful will quite rightly make the headlines, it is those who are not elected who often carry the quieter burden. They are the ones who step back into private life with the experience, the exposure, and yes, sometimes the sting of rejection. That deserves recognition. Without them, there is no democratic choice. Whoever you support, every candidate standing has earned a degree of admiration simply for stepping forward.

Then, of course, come those who are elected.

They will carry the responsibility of office, but they will also quickly become the focus of commentary, criticism and expectation. In today’s world, much of that comes from voices that are loud, persistent and often anonymous. The so-called keyboard warriors who are quick to judge, quicker to criticise, and rarely prepared to step into the same spotlight themselves. As a former elected States Member, do I speak from some painful experiences of this? Yes I do.

Healthy challenge is vital in any democracy. But it should come with balance, with respect, and with an understanding of the weight of responsibility those elected are carrying on behalf of all of us.

Which brings us to the important people – the voters.

The right to vote is not a passive privilege, it is an active responsibility. Yet in Jersey, voter turnout remains stubbornly low. Too many people sit this moment out, perhaps believing their vote will not matter, or they live in a bubble where they view the election as irrelevant, or that the outcome is already decided. It is none of the above.

Every vote contributes to the direction of this Island. Every vote shapes the policies that will affect our businesses, our workforce, our public services and our long-term economic future. For the business community, this is particularly important. The decisions taken by the next Assembly will influence everything from taxation and regulation to skills, housing and infrastructure. These are not abstract issues; they are the conditions in which every business operates and grows.

That is why employers have a role to play too. Encouraging staff to vote is not a political act, it is a civic one. Creating the space, the time and the awareness for employees to take part in the democratic process should be seen as part of responsible leadership. A healthy economy depends on a healthy democracy, and that requires participation.

So, as we approach election day, there are responsibilities on all sides. For those standing, to put forward their ideas with clarity and integrity. For those elected, to serve with resilience and accountability. And for all of us, to engage, to vote, and to recognise the value of the choice we have.

Because democracy only works when we all stand and deliver