Chamber president resigns over political donation

The president of Jersey's Chamber of Commerce, Lee Madden, has stepped down from his role over a private donation he made to a political movement.

The political movement he donated to is called Value Jersey, which has always maintained it is not a political party.

The Chamber of Commerce thanked Madden for serving the organisation with "considerable commitment, energy and enthusiasm".

Its statement also said: "Jersey Chamber of Commerce remains an independent and apolitical organisation representing businesses of all sizes and sectors across the island."

Value Jersey as a political movement launched in October.

It has previously said it had "no intention of being a political party".

Political movements are not subject to the same rules as political parties when it comes to donations.

Madden made the donation to Value Jersey 18 months ago, which is before he became the president of the Chamber of Commerce in May 2025.

He said: "I wasn't forced out, it was my decision to leave, I thought it was the best decision for chamber going forward."

Madden announced his resignation on Thursday and on Friday said: "It was highlighted yesterday to parts of chamber that a donation was made and a committee got together and asked for my resignation."

When asked about Value Jersey, he said: "I believe in Jersey, I believe in what's good for the island.

"I was approached 18 months ago with a theory of how we could improve the island moving forward.

"And that theory needed scoping out and testing and I volunteered to help fund part of that scoping."

Madden said: "Since then I have had nothing to do with Value Jersey."

When asked about the amount he donated he said: "I gave an amount that I thought was going to be effective in scoping out the projects. I'm not willing to disclose the amount."

The Chamber of Commerce said: "Mr Madden has served the organisation with considerable commitment, energy and enthusiasm, championing the interests of Jersey's business community and helping to guide the chamber through a period of growth and development.

"The chamber thanks Mr Madden for his service and contribution during his tenure and wishes him well for the future."

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