Whilst my ambition had always been to train as a lawyer and return to Jersey to practice, I was diverted into politics when I witnessed the 2007/8 financial crash occur and the extreme injustice which followed it, where politicians in both Jersey and the UK adopted an austerity approach which prolonged the crisis and caused untold hardship and suffering, for which they had no excuse because plenty of economic studies had demonstrated that austerity does not work. I joined the Labour Party and volunteered at a Citizens Advice Bureau in a particularly deprived part of London, to see first hand the impact that austerity had on the lives of ordinary people.
I was first motivated to get actively involved with Jersey politics to reform our electoral system and campaign in the 2013 referendum on electoral reform. It was clear to me that Jersey was not really a proper democracy and our elections were of nominal value because the electoral districts were gerrymandered and there was no overt party politics so the public could give approval for the policies they expected their governments to deliver on.
I stood for election in March 2014 and, when successfully elected, formed a political party with like-minded colleagues, to provide an alternative to the broken status quo.
My politics are on the centre-left of the political spectrum and I confidently identify as a democratic socialist. I believe that the way we achieve positive change is by ordinary people working together, in partnership with the democratically elected government, to create an environment where anybody, no matter their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or social background, can achieve their potential. I believe that massive income inequality is a scourge on our society and we need to actively strive for a society which is fairer, where the poorest and most vulnerable are taken care of, where those with the broadest shoulders carry the burden and where those with aspiration are supported to achieve their potential.
Many right-wing politicians and their supporters have described me as "dangerous". I take that as a complement!
My long term aspiration for Jersey is to have a progressive and democratic government which works in the interests of ordinary people, not the rich and powerful. I hope to play a leading role in taking our Island in that direction.
In my spare time I play electric guitar in a rock band (FlashMob) and organise several gigs every year. I enjoy reading both local and international history, going for long walks on Jersey's beautiful coastline and going to the pub with my mates!
Current Roles -
Leader of Reform Jersey, political party
Member of the States of Jersey Diversity Forum (States)
Member of the PPC sub-committee on democratic accountability (States)
Member of the St Helier - Avranches Twinning Committee (Parish)
Member of the Living Wage Advisory Board (Voluntary)
Political achievements -
Elected as the youngest member of the States of Jersey at the age of 23 in March 2014 in the constituency of St Helier No. 2. Re-elected in October 2014. Elected as Senator in May 2018.
Founded the political party Reform Jersey.
Brought a successful proposition to the States to begin the path of legalising same-sex marriage.
Brought a proposition forcing the government to consider a significant rise in the minimum wage.
Played a leading role in the successful 'Save People's Park' campaign.
Successfully stopped the government from going ahead with it's plans to introduce a lower minimum wage rate for people below the age of 25.
Have assisted countless constituents with their problems with States departments.
Was elected as Housing Minister and Jersey's first ever Children's Minister, where I helped secure £40m extra investment in services for children and young people, and oversaw the planning for the delivery of hundreds of new homes.
Since leaving government and forming a de-facto 'Opposition' in the States Assembly, have successfully brought propositions to improve democratic accountability in the Assembly, and ensure that developments taking place on the Waterfront deliver affordable housing, rather than private investment opportunities.
