Political parties in Jersey

In 2000, the Clothier report noted that "over the centuries Jersey has had many parties, by which one means only a coming together of like minds to achieve a particular objective.

[4]:231 The symbolism soon became entrenched to the extent that gardens displayed their owners' allegiances, and pink or green paintwork also showed political sympathies.

Still today in Jersey, the presence of established laurels or rose gardens in old houses gives a clue to the past party adherence of former owners, and the chair of the Constable of Saint Helier in the Assembly Room of the Parish Hall still sports the carved roses of a former incumbent.

Having achieved the political reforms it advocated the Progressive Party soon folded as an organisation, while the Democratic Movement, incorporating the tiny Communist Party of Jersey,[6] continued in existence as a campaigning social movement until the late 20th century.

[8] None of the party-affiliated candidates was successful in the October senatorial elections;[9] three JDA members standing as independents were elected as deputies in November 2005 along with two members of the Centre Party who had similarly stood as independents.

In 2008, legislation was passed to require registration of political parties who wished to endorse candidates for election as a senator, deputy or Connétable.

[14] In August 2011, the JDA announced that party members would stand only as independents in the October 2011 elections.