Julie Thomas (politician)
Julie Thomas | |
|---|---|
Thomas in 2022 | |
| 1st Chief Minister of Saint Helena | |
| In office 25 October 2021 – 10 September 2025 | |
| Monarchs | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Governor | Philip Rushbrook Nigel Phillips |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Rebecca Cairns-Wicks |
| Minister for Education, Skills and Employment | |
| Assumed office 1 November 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Julie Dorne Thomas[1] |
| Occupation | Politician |
Julie Dorne Thomas is a politician from Saint Helena who served as the island's inaugural Chief Minister from October 2021 to September 2025. She currently serves as Minister for Education, Skills and Employment and as a member of the Legislative Council.
Prior to politics, Thomas worked in the fisheries sector.
Early life
Thomas was born and raised on Saint Helena.[2] Thomas worked in the United Kingdom and has travelled to the United States, South Africa, and Ascension Island.[2]
Career
Thomas was appointed as a member of the St Helena Fisheries Corporation Board of Management on 9 January 2019.[1] She was also a member of the executive committee of the St Helena Commercial Fishermen's Association (SHCFA) and the International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF)'s Project Manager on St Helena.[2]
In the 2021 Saint Helena general election, Thomas received the most votes out of all candidates to the Legislative Council with 888 votes.[3] Thomas was subsequently elected as the first Chief Minister of Saint Helena on 25 October 2021.[4][5] She was also appointed as Minister for Education, Skills and Employment on 1 November 2021.[6]
Under Thomas' government, improvements were made in internet services, but the island did not receive full fibre internet connection that many had hoped for.[7] The introduction of ophthalmology and audiology services, along with advancements in preventative care, were also notable achievements.[7] In education, the government supported the introduction of the COBIS framework to address declining standards and improve outcomes.[7]
Following the dissolution of Thomas' government in June 2025, Liam Yon of The Sentinel reported that opinions on her tenure were divided.[7] While there was recognition of the improvements in education and healthcare, there were also criticisms regarding telecommunications and fisheries.[7]
She was replaced by Rebecca Cairns-Wicks as Chief Minister following the 2025 Saint Helena general election.[8]
Personal life
Thomas is married to a fisherman and is a mother.[2][9]
See also
- List of first women governors and chief ministers
- List of female constituent and dependent territory leaders
References
- ^ a b "The St. Helena Government Gazette" (PDF). St Helena Government. 28 February 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 July 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d "The Sustainable Jungle Podcast - 40 · Adam Baske & Julie Thomas · One Hook, One Line, One Fish At A Time #124". Podbean. 18 July 2019. Archived from the original on 18 June 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "General Election 2021 - the Results". 14 October 2021. Archived from the original on 18 June 2025. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
- ^ "Inaugural Meeting of Legislative Council – Councillor Julie Thomas elected as Chief Minister". St Helena Government. 25 October 2021. Archived from the original on 18 June 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ^ "St Helena: Councillor Julie Thomas Elected as Chief Minister". South Atlantic News. 30 October 2021. Archived from the original on 18 June 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ^ "The Five Ministers Have Been Chosen". Saint FM. 1 November 2021. Archived from the original on 18 June 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Yon, Liam (29 May 2025). "A Significant Step Forward" (PDF). The Sentinel. South Atlantic Media Services. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 June 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ Government, St Helena (10 September 2025). "Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks Elected as Chief Minister". St Helena Government. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
- ^ "Chief Minister biography" (PDF). St Helena Government. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 June 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.