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] Saint Helena |
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.
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]
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]