THREE political newcomers and the Island’s two youngest States Members were yesterday among those elected to chair various committees and panels for the next three years.

Deputy Jeremy Maçon, who at the age of 24 is Jersey’s youngest serving politician, was elected unopposed as chairman of the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny panel, of which he used to be a member, and 27-year-old Deputy Tracey Vallois became chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, after no one else came forward to challenge her.

Newcomer Deputy Steve Luce, who beat political veteran Bob Hill in the St Martin Deputy’s election last month, will now chair the Economic Affairs Scrutiny panel after he too was elected unopposed.

It was a similar story for former Environment chief officer Deputy John Young, who will now keep a keen eye on his old department as chair of the Environment Scrutiny panel, and Deputy Kristina Moore, who was the only person to come forward for the job of chairman of the Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny panel.

Senator Sarah Ferguson was also re-elected unopposed as chairman of the Corporate Services Scrutiny panel.

In the end, just two of the day’s eight elections were contested.
St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft became the new chairman of the committee in charge of States reform and standards, Privileges and Procedures. He beat previous chairman Constable Juliette Gallichan by just 23 votes to 22.

In the other, Senator Paul Routier took over from new Chief Minister Ian Gorst to become chairman of the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission, which manages and administers the money voted by the States for overseas aid. He beat Deputy Trevor Pitman by 33 votes to 13.