Julie Thomas (politician)
Chief Minister of Saint Helena
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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.
Charles III
Nigel Phillips
Julie Thomas | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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]