Chief Minister and Deputy facing watchdog probe over CEO exit

Friday 31 March 2023

Chief Minister and Deputy facing watchdog probe over CEO exit

Friday 31 March 2023

Politicians' behaviour watchdog has been asked to investigate the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister over their handling of events surrounding the resignation of Government CEO Suzanne Wylie.

Both Deputy Kristina Moore and Deputy Kirsten Morel have come under scrutiny for statements they have made before and since Mrs Wylie's imminent departure was made public.

Deputy Moore has faced criticism for her version of the timeline of the events prior to Mrs Wylie's departure being made public, for which she apologised earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Deputy Morel has been forced to clarify comments he made in the States Assembly saying he was unaware of any future resignations - despite being told of Mrs Wylie's intentions a week before.

After being contacted by several States Members and an "urgent meeting", the Privileges and Procedures Committee - a group of politicians responsible for overseeing the running of the States Assembly - has now decided to refer the pair to the Commissioner for Standards, who rules on whether the Code of Conduct for States Members has been broken.

Video: Deputy Chief Minister Kirsten Morel - who knew about Mrs Wylie's departure at the time - made a joke on the topic of resignations in last week's States Assembly meeting.

In an email sent to all States Members this evening, PPC wrote: "The committee recognises the strength of feeling amongst Members and public at large, regarding the way in which the resignation of the chief executive was communicated and the subsequent confusion in relation to the timeline of events.

"As part of PPC's terms of reference is to take the necessary steps for the enforcement of the Code of Conduct for Members and to promote high standards amongst Members, the committee has concluded that it cannot ignore the concerns and questions expressed by Members on this matter.

"Members will be aware, PPC does not undertake investigations into allegations of breaches of the code, but has appointed a Commissioner for Standards who is able to independently and objectively review any complaints and bring forward recommendations to the committee as to what action, if any, should be taken if such complaints are upheld."

Pictured: PPC Chair Constable Karen Shenton-Stone emailed States Members this evening to inform them that a referral had been made to the Commissioner for Standards.

It added: "Taking this into consideration, the committee has decided to make a referral to the Commissioner who will independently and objectively review the matter and bring forward recommendations to the committee as to what action, if any, should be taken if it is found that the code has been breached.

"To be clear, the committee's referral will be in relation to both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister and the circumstances around the communication to the Assembly of the resignation of the chief executive officer Suzanne Wylie. Both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have been informed."

Meanwhile, Reform Jersey is calling for an independent investigation into claims of bullying by the Chief Minister, her Deputy and Assistant Chief Minister Andy Jehan - all of whom has strongly denied the claims - aired in an ITV Channel report earlier this week.

Yesterday evening, Education Minister Deputy Inna Gardiner appeared to come out in support of Deputy Moore.

Last few days I can’t help but have flash backs to Charlie Parkers complaint against me for bullying him. Why is it caring driven women on top of their game are considered bullies by challenging others views with facts and logic.
— Inna Gardiner, Minister for Children and Education (@innagardiner) March 30, 2023

"Last few days I can't help but have flash backs to Charlie Parkers complaint against me for bullying him. Why is it caring driven women on top of their game are considered bullies by challenging others views with facts and logic," she wrote.

Soup-er charity event raises over £17k for local homelessness charity

Wednesday 11 December 2024

« Return to News

Comments

Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.