Former minister hits out at 'toxic' online abuse

A former government minister warned "toxic" abuse on social media could stop people from standing for public office.

Kirsten Morel who was economic development minister in the previous government, said "if that happens Jersey will lose its independence".

He added: "There's intense negativity in Jersey which needs to change" and hit out at "the cowardice of people who are anonymous online and are just throwing out rubbish and nastiness and insults".

Morel was re-elected as deputy for St John, St Lawrence and Trinity in the general election earlier this month.

He said: "They're cowards, but they are harming other people and they're harming our democracy and that needs to stop."

Morel said he had experienced online abuse and had "long conversations" with his family before deciding to run again in the election for a third term as deputy.

"I won't be engaging much on social media going forwards, because it's toxic, it's not the right place, it's not right," he said.

He received some online abuse for his role overseeing the ferry tender process that saw DFDS take over Jersey's sea links last year.

He spoke to the BBC in the Royal Square outside the States Assembly as politicians were sworn in on Friday 12 June and said the campaign in his constituency was "really pleasant".

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