Rally hears of new political grouping

A new political grouping is being gathered in Jersey to press for electoral reform.

The announcement came at a Royal Square rally which went ahead this afternoon (Saturday) despite heavy rainfall.

More than a hundred people gathered in a corner of the Royal Square to show opposition to proposed tax rises. The organisers were 'pleasantly surprised' that so many people turned up despite the awful weather.

It's planned to squeeze another £35m from taxpayers and there was anger that many businesses operating in Jersey don't pay any tax at all.

On Tuesday, Treasury Minister Philip Ozouf will have a major battle to push through his tax rises, but the rally also heard of an even bigger battle ahead - nothing less than total reform of the way islanders are represented in government.

Reform Jersey - as the grouping is likely to be known - will be seeking a majority win at next year's general election.

The grouping was announced by Deputy Geoff Southern: 'We must have a single membership in the States. We can't be doing with Constables, Senators and Deputies - that blocks proper electoral reform and we must have a proper general election. We need candidates committed to those principles. If we are going to achieve economic and social change in the States we need to reform the way people are represented.' (from CTV)