Chief Minister rubbishes Scrutiny criticism as a purely political attack

Wednesday 23 December 2020

Another war of words has broken out between the Chief Minister and his main political opponent this morning, with the publication of a deeply critical letter alleging “mismanagement of the pandemic."

Senator Kristina Moore, the Chief Scrutineer, wrote to Senator John Le Fondré yesterday on behalf of the Scrutiny Liaison Committee – which brings together the chairs of all five Scrutiny Panels, urging him to act “immediately, decisively and unambiguously."

But at a media briefing this morning, the Chief Minister, and Health Minister rubbished the letter as a purely politically motivated attack, with Deputy Richard Renouf described it as an abuse of the scrutiny process, and a "risk to the island."

The letter comes just over a month after Senator Moore brought a vote of no-confidence against the Chief Minister. While it had been prompted by the bitter row over Government CEO Charlie Parker’s second job at UK real estate firm New River, Senator Moore had also cited the handling of the covid-19 pandemic among her reasons for bringing her motion.

In her letter, she criticised the Chief Minister over what she describes as his “mismanagement of the pandemic” which she says led to a “sudden and avoidable escalation in infections”.

Senator Moore noted that Competent Authorities Minsters were warned as early as 7 September that case numbers were increasing in the island.

“Regrettably your failure to step up measures in the island at an earlier point, despite requests from Ministers and states members has led to the position we find ourselves in today where the virus is out of control and the internal economy is not able to function normally at an important time of the year,” she wrote. 

Last night’s figures show the number of active cases was at 939 – after rising to over 1,000 on Monday - almost half of the total (2024) since 1 July.

The letter also expresses disappointment at the fact propositions brought forward by Scrutiny members such as mandatory isolation for all arrivals until a negative result was received were not adopted; or requests to improve “the standard of communication with the public and internally with staff” were rejected.

Pictured: Senator Moore says the information in last week's press conference was unclear.

It refers to last Friday’s “hastily organised” press conference which the SLC says “inexcusably” took States Members and the public by surprise. 

“The advice given in the press conference was not clear, leaving many people unsure as to whether they should go to work, or attend appointments the following day,” Senator Moore wrote.

“Indeed, by way of example the Chamber of Commerce had to step in and some Ministers took to social media to assist groups such as hairdressers and retailers given the ambiguous nature of the Government messaging.”

The Chief Scrutineer goes on to write that the “Government’s inability to communicate effectively with the public” has caused “heightened level of concern and failing trust”.

Pictured: STAC recommended mask wearing in shops from October but the measure was only implemented in December.

The Chief Minister is also criticised for having failed to act on advice from the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC), especially regarding a compulsory requirement for masks to be worn.

Express reported last week that minutes from STAC meetings revealed the cell had advised compulsory mask wearing in shops “with effect from October 2020.”

However, it was only in November that States Members debated the legislation, with legislation being signed during the final week of the month, and implemented on 1 December.

In a press conference on Friday, the Chief Minister blamed the delay on law drafting issues assuring both he and Health Minister Richard Renouf had supported implementing the legislation earlier. 

Pictured: Senator Moore says the law on masks could have been drafted earlier if the Chief Minister had followed the advice from STAC.

Senator Moore however rejected this explanation in her letter arguing the work could have been done earlier if the advice from STAC had been “properly implemented”.

“In fact, we are now many months into responding to this pandemic and experience should go hand in hand with better decision making,” she added.

“It seems quite inexcusable that you continue to lead a politically reactive approach on this critical matter, rather than a pro-active response that anticipates situations and, informed by expert medical advice, acts decisively. The issue of masks being a prime illustration.”

The letter ends on a series of recommendations which the SLC “implores” the Chief Minister to follow. This includes sharing recent advice from STAC, delivering clearer measures and giving businesses “adequate time” to prepare for new measures.

The SLC is also suggesting a “change of tone and pace” and for the Government to choose a political spokesperson to engage with the public. 

Pictured: Deputy Renouf described the SLC's letter as "unnecessary".

When asked to comment on the letter, the Health Minister described it as "unnecessary", suggesting the Scrutiny role was being used to make "a purely personal political gain"

"That’s a risk to the island because we need a scrutiny process that is objective, that looks at evidence and makes findings and recommendations accordingly," he added.

"The Scrutiny role is not to act as a political opposition, others can do that. It’s important but it’s not part of scrutiny. So for this letter to come out of Scrutiny and be signed by the chair of the Scrutiny Liaison Committee really denigrates I feel the role, the proper role of Scrutiny in a parliamentary democracy."

To read the letter in full, click on the image below.