Questions remain over Value Jersey's election spending

Questions have been raised over the cost of political consultancy work carried out for Value Jersey during Jersey’s June election.

Value Jersey, a policy-focused political movement rather than a registered party, backed nine candidates, six of whom won seats. The group hired political consultancy The Messina Group to advise on campaign strategy and messaging.

Three successful candidates declared payments to the firm in their election expenses. Senator Serena Guthrie reported spending just under £1,500, while Deputies Gerald Voisin and Samantha Gleave each declared £745.

However, the total value of the commercial contract between Value Jersey and The Messina Group has not been disclosed.

Because Value Jersey is not a registered political party, it is not subject to Jersey’s election spending limits. Individual candidates supporting the movement are, with limits of £4,146 for senators and £2,517 for deputies and connétables.

The lack of clarity over the consultancy contract has prompted questions from politicians. Reform Jersey co-leader Deputy Lyndsay Feltham said the figures declared by candidates did not appear to reflect the likely cost of a commercial political consultancy.

Infrastructure Minister Deputy Jonathan Renouf has also questioned whether the contract could have been worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Political consultant Joe Twyman, co-founder of Delta Poll, said consultancy costs can vary widely depending on the level of involvement, from around £10,000 to much larger sums.

The Jersey Electoral Authority has said the candidates’ expense declarations will undergo detailed scrutiny. It also noted that spending outside the election period defined by law may not have to be declared.

Value Jersey said it had been open about using professional support and had “followed the law” throughout the campaign.

The Messina Group declined to comment.