15th October - Senators & Constables Elections
26th November - Deputies Elections

Senators - Nick Le Cornu

Nick Le Cornu

Nick Le Cornu, a founding member of pressure group Time4Change, believes there's a crisis of public confidence in the government and that policies not personalities should count.

As a lawyer he says he understands the importance of the finance industry and would like to see political, economic and social reform.

[ Source : BBC Jersey ]


Nick Le Cornu, a founder of the political pressure group Time for Change, is standing for Senator.

The 50-year-old lawyer, a Jerseyman who is employed in fund administration, said: "I know the value of the financial sector to the economy." He was an unsuccessful candidate for Constable and Deputy in St Brelade in 1996.

He is critical of GST as well as the zero-ten package because he feels that they hurt all who derive an income from wages.

They were part of a "regressive economic model that drained the States tax base". And he predicts that there will be a 'taxpayer revolt' at the elections this year. Mr Le Cornu believes that Jersey needs new politicians who will listen to the people and do what they promised when elected. He said that the Island requires wide-ranging reform.

"We need full implementation of the Clothier reforms for political and constitutional change. Our institutions are archaic," he said. Mr Le Cornu led a personal campaign against wheel-clamping earlier this year that led the Home Affairs department to propose 'long overdue reforms'.

He said that his platform would include political, economic and social change. "The Broadlands lodging house fire has exposed Jersey's housing policies as ineffective and discriminatory, and we must have a positive plan to house all residents of the Island adequately," he said. Mr Le Cornu would make provision of homes a priority over more offices and speculative commercial developments.

[ Source : This Is Jersey ]


Proposers

  • Neil McMurray
  • Giffard Aubin
  • Gill Blackwood
  • Barbara de la Cloche
  • Raymond McCredie
  • Leonard Vandenborn
  • Audrey Lobb
  • Michael d'Authreau
  • Enrico Sorda
  • William Prouse

[ Source : Channel Online ]



Senatorial Nomination

Time4Change candidate Nicholas Le Cornu was an ideal politician to bring change to a government in disarray, according to proposer Neil McMurray. He said that the current Senators failed to cope when the historic child abuse investigation hit the headlines. He said there had been a failure in leadership and that the Island had a government of amateurs who were incapable of dealing with the pressures of a crisis. He asked the meeting whether they still trusted the government and whether they thought that they were competent. Mr McMurray said that Mr Le Cornu believed that the electoral system should be about policies and not personalities and said he would fight for the protection of children, as well as fair taxation, justice and the abolition of GST. Mr McMurray said that he would vote for the first time in his life, because he was disillusioned and infuriated with the government.

[ Source : This Is Jersey ]


This is the speech proposing Nicholas Le Cornu as Senator, delivered at the Town Hall on Tuesday 16th September, 2008 by Neil McMurray.

Mr Constable, ladies and gentlemen.

These forthcoming elections in October and November, will be the MOST IMPORTANT in Jersey history since the immediate post war period.

It was predicted that it would take a crisis to fundamentally change and modernise Jersey's political system. Many thought that crisis would be an attack on the Finance Industry. Rather the crisis is internal, a crisis of public confidence, triggered by revelations of systematic institutional child abuse. A fundamental flaw in the social structure of the island has been exposed. The only ones with a voice are the well connected. The only ones who are listened to are those in authority. The voiceless are the weak and defenceless, the disadvantaged and the unconnected.

The TRAGEDY of the victims has been turned into a scandal, because of the failings of senior statesmen and officials. Their arrogance, secrecy and defensiveness were quickly spotted by the national and international media. The spotlight of enquiry has been turned on the institutions of government and sadly they have been found wanting.

The Government has fallen apart and is in disarray. There has been a total failure of leadership. A government of amateurs, even with its "crisis cabinet" and highly paid media spin machine, has shown itself to be quite incapable of dealing with the pressures of a crisis. How will they cope if the IMF and European Union decide to get tough with our Finance Industry?

This mismanagement of events has been compounded by a self inflicted government disaster. GST is the name of a tax everyone now knows and nobody, except 28 States Members, actually wants. Public anger now sits on the edge of a Tax Payers Revolt.

At the forthcoming elections, the electorate will pass judgement on the success or otherwise of our government. Yes, the government you chose to elect. Do you still trust your government? Do you believe they are competent?

You have a choice - to vote for the government - or to vote for an alternative Jersey – for Time4Change candidates, for Green candidates, for progressives, for youth.

My candidate is one of those Time4Change candidates. He believes the electoral system should be about policies not personalities and in his Manifesto he spells out those policies:

  • States Reform
  • The abolition of GST
  • Fair Taxation
  • Financial monoculture and diversification of the economy
  • Quality Public services and infrastructure
  • Justice
  • Income Support and Welfare
  • Housing
  • The protection of children and young people

My candidate is a lawyer and the extraordinary fact is that there are NO elected lawyers in the current States Assembly and this surely reflects a malaise in our society – but most particularly exposes how the legal profession in this Island is failing to serve the ordinary general public.

I am delighted to say that the lawyer that I am proposing is committed – among other things - to a thorough reform of the legal service that is provided in Jersey.

It is unusual – probably unique in recent history – for a lawyer to come forward in this Island who is prepared to challenge the legal establishment and to promote far reaching reforms.

But I believe, and I know from personal and painful experience, that such reforms are absolutely necessary and I know that the States Chamber will benefit from his knowledge of the law and its application in this Island.

I am a member of Time4Change. I have never voted in my life, but now I am going to vote. I am going to vote because I am so disillusioned and infuriated by this government. Please join me and support our candidates, because it is most definitely THE TIME FOR CHANGE.

I have pleasure therefore, Mr Constable, ladies and gentlemen, to propose Mr Nicholas Le Cornu as a candidate for election as Senator.

[ Source : Is This Jersey? ]



Election Manifesto - 200 Word Version

The forthcoming elections are the most important in Jersey since the immediate post war period. It was predicted that only a profound crisis could bring about the change and modernisation of Jersey’s political system. The crisis is upon us; it is internal, a crisis of public confidence, triggered by revelations of systematic institutional child abuse.

The tragedy of the victims has been turned into a scandal by Crown Officers, senior Ministers and civil servants, through their insensitivity and arrogance. Our government of amateurs has been exposed by a sceptical national and international media. Attempts at damage limitation have worsened the situation. So great is the panic that even independence is countenanced to avoid inspection and explanation.

Compounding this crisis is the introduction of GST, a tax which no one outside government ever wanted. You have a choice - to vote for the government - or an alternative Jersey – for Green candidates, progressives and above all Time4Change candidates. I am want democratic reforms and restoration of confidence in a government that reflects the will of the people. I believe Jersey needs wide-ranging reforms and new politicians who will not only listen to the people but do what they promise when elected.

[ Source : This Is Jersey ]


A video of Nick Le Cornu's election manifesto is available on Channel Online



Election Manifesto - BBC Version

Fellow Islanders!

I am a Lawyer, a Jerseyman and a Patriot.

I am one of the founder members of Time4Change, the movement that organised the demonstration in the Royal Square on 8th March to protest against our government's mishandling of the child abuse tragedy.

Criticising government and authority is always difficult; sometimes it is necessary.

The charge against government is the lack of accountable supervision of custodial facilities. It is not the physical abuse of the children per se that is the scandal. Government allowed human rights violations to occur against children in their care. We must have justice for the victims; justice for the perpetrators without a witch-hunt and closure for the island.

For the future, we must have structures in place that protect human rights be it in childcare, orphanages, schools, prisons or police custody.

I am 50 years of age, Jersey born and educated at Victoria College. I read History at Warwick University and became a Solicitor. I practiced law in the City of London before returning to Jersey in 1993 and have since worked in Finance. I am married to Irina who is from Ukraine and our son Rudick has just graduated in economics.

Jersey's Housing Law has been in place since 1949 yet the housing problem is no better now than it was 50 years ago. The existing Housing Law and Regulations are actually making Jersey's housing problems worse because 10,000 working people and their families are paying just to live in lodgings. Housing Qualifications should be reduced to 5 years now, combined with a positive plan to adequately house all residents of Jersey.

GST is the child of Zero Ten and part of a tax model that is undermining the state's tax base. Finance institutions and their foreign company clients should be taxed in an equitable manner and not in a more privileged way than the people of Jersey. Taxation should be based on what the community actually needs and not levied to cover shortfalls created by the privileges given to companies.The poor and working people are certainly disproportionately hit by GST. However, everybody who earns income and lives in the island is negatively affected by GST. There are alternatives to GST and these must be revisited, not just dismissed so as not to offend the wealthy.

The issue is essentially whether the island is here to serve the financial sector's needs for low taxes, for which the government is willing to sacrifice the welfare of all but the wealthiest islanders, or - the financial sector is here to serve the islanders.

I believe Jersey needs wide-ranging reform and new politicians who will not only listen to the people, but do what they promise when elected.

A new culture of openness, accountability and honesty between politicians and the people must be created. We are all tired of government cover-up and spin; of manipulation and misinformation.

I am not frightened of challenging authority. I am not deferential to my betters. I am brave and courageous.

Please vote for Nick Le Cornu to give a voice to the working people of this our island.

An audio version of this election manifesto is available from BBC Jersey

[ Source : BBC Jersey ]


A video of Nick Le Cornu's election manifesto is available on Channel Online



Election Manifesto - Extended Version

"A Candidate for Change & Reform"

1. My vision for government and society in Jersey
I believe Jersey needs wide-ranging reform and new politicians who will not only listen to the people but do what they promise when elected. A new culture of openness, accountability and honesty between politicians and the people must be created. People are tired of government cover-up and spin; of manipulation and misinformation; of outcomes attributed to coincidence.

2. States Reform
Current political structures and elections do not offer genuine policy options. Frustration at the slow pace of change and the feeling that government does not listen, has led to despondency and elections at which 60% of the electorate refuse to vote.

Islanders are jealous of their independence and tradition but also know that the present system denies many rights that other Europeans have come to enjoy. Implementation of the democratic elements of the Clothier Report is urgently needed: a General Election for all States members; one category of States Member elected for the same term of office; larger electoral constituencies; the separation of powers, so that the Bailiff, a judge, is no longer President of the legislature.

3. Abolition of GST
I will press for rescindment of GST entirely - but at least its removal on all food and clothing. There are alternatives to GST and these must be revisited, not just dismissed so as not to offend the wealthy.

4. Fair Taxation – the alternative to the failure of GST and Zero Ten policies
A fair taxation system should operate on the principle that each citizen should contribute to the common good.

GST and Zero Ten are attacks on all those whose income is derived from wages or salaries. Even those on good wages and salaries are seeing these stagnate compared to prices. The poor and working people are certainly disproportionately hit by GST. However, everybody who earns income and lives in the island is negatively affected by GST.

Zero Ten and its child GST are part of a tax model that is undermining the state's tax base. Finance institutions and their foreign company clients should be taxed in an equitable manner and not in a more privileged way than the people of Jersey. Taxation should be based on what the community actually needs - for infrastructure, healthcare, education, culture, leisure - and not levied to cover shortfalls created by the privileges given to companies.

The debate is essentially whether the island is here to serve the financial sector's needs for low taxes - for which the government is willing to sacrifice the welfare of all but the wealthiest islanders, or the financial sector is here to serve the islanders.

5. Financial Monoculture and the myth of economic diversification
This government is not sincerely interested in diversifying the economy. By diverting most state resources to the financial sector, no tax revenues are left to promote alternative businesses on the island, which will initially need subsidies to start growing.

If wages remain depressed while taxes increase and the housing market remains extortionate, then skilled people capable of working outside the finance sector will leave Jersey. This is a capital loss for the island if employee qualification levels sink to a level which leaves only the indigenous and finance sector employees.

To be genuinely attractive for other industries then the island has to have a stable, more qualified and content workforce than in other comparable locations. I advocate more imaginative ways of assuring that Jersey's economic development policies actually benefit all of Jersey's people.

6. The Public Sector - better provision and delivery of services
Citizens do not own the state, as shareholders do a company, but they can profit as stakeholders. We all have a stake in the quality of public services and infrastructure. I will promote a rational, planned and effective Public Sector, not just one of pseudo efficiencies, misplaced profits and privatisation. Subsidised services can benefit all.

Extravagant Capital Projects are the critical source of state budget expansion. A strategic plan is needed to determine essential expenditure. We must establish a ceiling on population, plan for that maximum and avoid the current government's policies of growth at any price.

7. Administration of Justice
The office of Bailiff in Jersey has evolved over many years for historic reasons and the time is now right for this Crown Officer to cease being 'President' of the Island of Jersey. It is confusing in the eyes of the world for Jersey to have both a 'President' and a Chief Minister and that it is undesirable for a non-elected person such as the Bailiff (a Judge), to pronounce upon important public and political issues. The Bailiff's time-consuming and sometimes conflicting duties as Speaker in the States Assembly should be taken over primarily by the States' Greffier and his staff.

I propose that a Department of Justice should be created to:

  • Run a proper legal and judicial system that is appropriate for an Island with international horizons in the 21st century.
  • Incorporate the duties of the Judicial Greffe and supervise all the Courts
  • Produce and publish explanatory information on all aspects of Jersey law in Plain English.
  • Supervise the training and professional conduct of Jersey lawyers.
  • Administer a user-friendly Legal Aid scheme for which lawyers are paid.
  • Employ, train and promote lawyers in the public service in accordance with an appropriately financed career structure.
  • Promote a Bill of Rights and incorporate Deputy Bob Hill's proposals for a Human Rights compliance, scrutiny and advisory body.
  • Accept responsibility from the States Greffe for the Complaints Board for the Review of Administrative Decisions as an Ombudsman with amended and enhanced powers including decisions that are legally enforceable.
  • Provide legal advice to the States Assembly, States Departments, Ministers and other Government agencies in accordance with clearly defined rules.
  • Prepare and conduct criminal prosecutions.

8. Wheel Clamping – Ban it!
I began a campaign against wheel clamping when my car remained clamped in a commercial car park over Christmas for 12 days, following my refusal to pay a £150 'release fee'. The campaign was escalated in the States and through the JEP 'Fair Play' team. I say that commercial car parks wishing to control spaces should erect and maintain protective barriers. Wheel clamping on private land with payment for release is a form of extortion - demanding money with menaces – and is brutal, arbitrary and intimidating. The Home Affairs 'Green Paper' on clamping will not change that. Smart uniforms and courses on etiquette are not enough. As a motorist, I believe wheel clamping should be made a criminal offence in Jersey, as it is in Scotland and in continental Europe.

9. Income Support and Welfare
I applaud the initiative of the Social Security Department to create a 'One Stop Shop' in respect of Health Benefits, Pensions and Social Welfare. This is a real advance over the parish welfare system. However, the implementation of Income Support has caused much confusion. The system requires simpler rules that can be understood by everybody. Payments must ensure that all those people on low incomes have sufficient income for an adequate life as of right.

10. Housing
Jersey's Housing Law has been in place since 1949 yet the housing problem is just as bad now as it was 50 years ago. The existing Housing Law and Regulations are actually making Jersey’s housing problems worse because 10,000 working people and their families are paying just to live in lodgings. Their £25 million is removed every year from the House building fund and put into the pockets of private property owners, landlords and speculators. It is no wonder that Jersey’s house prices increased by 25% in 2007 alone.

Housing Qualifications should be reduced to 5 years now, combined with a positive plan to adequately house all residents of Jersey. Building resources and land should be prioritized towards the provision of homes and not yet more offices and speculative commercial developments.

11. The protection of children and young people
Time4Change was founded as a result of the frustration of many people over the child abuse enquiry at Haut De La Garenne that was turned from a past tragedy into a present scandal by government ineptitude. Following public demonstrations and meetings, a group of concerned islanders joined together to create Time4Change as an organization that could campaign for social and political reform.

Long-standing defects have been exposed and change is urgently needed. To that end, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child should be ratified now for Jersey – like 170 member countries of the UN. With that universal framework in place, Jersey can set about introducing all the protective measures that are missing and in particular a MINISTER should be appointed with specific obligations and responsibilities for the welfare of ALL young people to 18 years of age.

I want such a Minister to coordinate the responsibilities of existing child gencies; to fight for adequate funding and facilities for pre-school care, and to protect children whilst in institutional care or custody.

[ Source : Is This Jersey? ]


A video of Nick Le Cornu's election manifesto is available on Channel Online



Biography

Age: 50

Place of birth: Jersey

Family: Married to Irina, who is originally from Ukraine and has just graduated in Economics. Son Rudick

Education: Victoria College; Warwick University - BA (Hons) History: College of Law, Guildford: Caen University; admitted as solicitor in 1987

Occupation: Lawyer in fund administration

Hobbies/interests: Collecting vintage photographic images; travel; surfing

[ Source : This Is Jersey ]


Political biography

Founder member of the political pressure group 'Time4Change'. Spokesperson for Time4Change on the international and national TV, radio and newspaper media, including Sky TV, Radio 4 'Today' programme and Radio 5 Live, articulating the need for constitutional reform in the island and issues emanating from the child abuse scandal. Organiser of demonstration in the Royal Square to 'welcome' GST on 6th May 2008. Campaigner to make Wheel Clamping illegal. Thirty years of grass roots campaigning.

Educational and Professional biography

Born: 1958 in Jersey. Education: Victoria College; Warwick University – BA (Hons) History; College of Law, Guildford; Caen University. 1985 Articles City of London. 1987 admitted as a Solicitor. Commercial lawyer in London. 1993 Returned to Jersey and practice in trust and company administration. Currently employed in Funds administration. I know the value of the financial sector to our economy.

Personal

I am married to Irina, who is originally from Ukraine, and our son Rudick has just graduated in Economics. Irina's wider family and many of our friends were active in Ukraine's 'Orange Revolution' which achieved a liberal democratic victory over authoritarian government in 2004.

[ Source : Is This Jersey? ]



Links