Narrow defeat for moves to boost pay for Ministers

Wednesday 21 May 2014

Proposals to pay Ministers more than other states members have been defeated by just two votes.

Treasury Minister, Senator Philip Ozouf, proposed the move, arguing that having a 'one-size-fits-all' system with all politicians being able to claim up to around £46,000 a year, was wrong as it didn't reward those who chose to take on greater responsibilities, such as a Ministerial post.

He argued that the current standard pay level dissuaded capable people from standing for election, as the pay level did not match senior positions in either the private or not-for-profit sectors:

"It should...be possible for a person of calibre and ability, from any walk of Island life, to stand for the States, get elected, and if they achieve a senior Scrutiny or Ministerial post, to have an expectation of being rewarded should they be entrusted with important responsibilities on behalf of the public, on a different basis from a member who simply turns up to a States Sitting and purports to deal with the occasional constituent issue.

"Unless of private means from private wealth or already retired in receipt of a private pension, the current system dissuades people from standing for the States who have more senior positions or experience".

However, a narrow majority of his colleagues disagreed, and his proposals were defeated by 23 votes to 20. Speaking against the move, Deputy Geoff Southern described it as “the most dangerous proposition I’ve seen in my 12 years on the Chamber”. His comments were echoed by Deputy Sam Mezec, who claimed it was no more than "legalised bribery".