SENATOR Ben Shenton has withdrawn his nomination from the Council of Ministers at the last minute, saying that he cannot work with Chief Minister-designate Terry Le Sueur’s chosen line-up.

He says that in talks about the role with the new Chief Minister, he was never once asked about the policies and views that he would bring as Education Minister – a role he had already publicly accepted.

St Ouen Deputy James Reed – a ‘hardliner’ on States spending – was drafted in to replace Senator Shenton, the current Health Minister, as the Education Minister nominee yesterday afternoon. It is understood that the Education job was also offered to and rejected by St Mary Constable Juliette Gallichan. Deputy Roy Le Hérissier said that it was ‘highly probable’ that he wouldchallenge for the Education post.

In Senator Le Sueur’s nominations for the nine ministerial positions, filed with the States Greffe this morning, the Transport Minister’s slot which had apparently been declined by several Members before finally being filled by St Brelade Constable Mike Jackson – the first time a Constable has been nominated to a ministerial position.

• The nominations are: Treasury: Philip Ozouf. Economic Development: Alan Maclean. Environment: Freddie Cohen. Health: Paul Routier. Home Affairs: Ian Le Marquand. Social Security: Ian Gorst. Education: James Reed. Transport and Technical Services: Mike Jackson. Housing: Terry Le Main.

• Picture: New Chief Minister Terry Le Sueur