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A political plot to oust the Bailiff as presiding officer of Jersey's parliament has revealed itself in the form of a proposition lodged by the Infrastructure Minister – with the support of a "diverse" group of States Members, including a former Chief Minister.
Those behind the proposal are seeking the creation of "Speaker" and "Deputy Speaker" positions that could be implemented once the current Bailiff has retired.
Sir Timothy Le Cocq recently revealed that he is set to retire from office in October 2025 after six years in the role.
Pictured: The current Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq will be retiring from the role towards the end of next year.
The report accompanying the proposition states that, though it is being presented in Constable Andy Jehan's name, it was "collectively developed by a diverse cross section of members of the States Assembly".
"Despite our differing political perspectives on many issues, we have come together to seize this opportunity to advance the development our democratic system and establish the important principle of the separation of powers," it continued.
"Members would like to place on record our thanks to the Bailiff for his service as our presiding officer.
"The Bailiff is warmly regarded by all States Members because of the manner in which he has carried out his duties as president of the States of Jersey."
Pictured: Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan has lodged the proposition on behalf of a "diverse" group of States Members.
The report added: "This proposition is in no way brought based on any consideration of the personalities of either the Bailiff or any prospective successor."
The proposition asks the Assembly to agree that a speaker – who would take on "all the functions of the presiding officer – be chosen either from the ranks of the States' elected Members or by appointing someone "who would otherwise be eligible for election to the Assembly".
It also requests that a deputy speaker be selected.
Among the arguments put forward is the question of whether one individual should serve as head of both the island's legislative body and its judiciary system, as the Bailiff also presides over proceedings in the Royal Court.
As well as creating a "clear separation" between these roles, the proposition argues the move will improve the "efficiency" of both systems and "enhance our democratic reputation and culture by creating a dedicated role to engage in public outreach and promotion of democracy in our community".
Express attempted to contact Constable Jehan for comment, but he was unavailable at the time of writing. However, this afternoon, Reform Jersey Leader Deputy Sam Mézec shared a statement on the proposition entitled 'States Members unite to take Jersey's democracy forward', confirming the membership of the team seeking to create a new Speaker.
They are:
"As a diverse cross section of States Members, we have come together to seize what we believe will be a vital step toward modernising our system of government, enhancing our democratic reputation, and ensuring that Jersey is seen as a confident, outward-looking, modern democracy on the global stage," their joint statement read.
"Multiple reviews over the last few decades have concluded that it is in our Island's best interest to introduce a separation of powers between our Assembly and the court. We believe that the retirement of the current Bailiff provides an opportunity for a seamless transition.
"Establishing an elected Speaker for the States Assembly will strengthen our democracy, ensure greater accountability and make our government system more efficient.
"We wish to place on record our sincere thanks to the Bailiff for his service as President of the States of Jersey. He is warmly regarded by all States Members because of the way he has carried out his duties, and this proposition is not a comment on his performance or that of any potential successor. Rather, it reflects our shared belief in the need to modernise our constitutional arrangements."
However, the proposal is likely to face opposition with a 'Save the Bailiff of Jersey' campaign group having already been established.
The proposition to remove the Bailiff from the States Assembly has been lodged today by the Connetable of St John, Andy Jehan.
— Save the Bailiff of Jersey (@SaveOurBailiff) November 19, 2024
We urge all States Members to reject this proposition and stand with the people of Jersey.#SaveTheBailiff #JerseyCI ???????? https://t.co/5QdlC6w9kf
The group was quick to alert its followers to the proposition in a post on X, urging States Members to vote against it.
Removing the Bailiff from the States Assembly has also been attempted multiple times in the last few decades, with similar arguments made over the years.
Sir Timothy himself even recently predicted that islanders could soon be experiencing a wave of déjà vu when it comes to this debate.
In a recent interview, he said: "Given that I've announced my retirement, there's a reasonable chance that the debate will raise its head once again, as it did shortly before I became Bailiff.
"In a liminal moment such as this, politicians may feel that it's the time to think about these sorts of things."
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