Ozouf returns

Friday 26 May 2017

A dramatic week in Jersey politics has ended with Senator Philip Ozouf being re-appointed as Assistant Chief Minister with responsibility for the financial services and digital sectors.

In a statement issued just before 18:30 on Friday night, at the start of the long bank holiday weekend, it was confirmed that perhaps the most controversial figure currently in local politics would be returning to the ministerial benches.

As reported by Express, it follows a special meeting of the Council of Ministers yesterday morning, at which the Chief Minister informed his team of the decision.

Previously some ministers had privately said they would resign if Senator Ozouf was given his job back, and they will now have to decide whether to follow through with that. He is known to have had serious disagreements with Senators Maclean and Farnham, who were both censured by the Chief Minister for their performance on the Innovation Fund. 

The fact Senator Ozouf has been given responsibility for financial services means he will have to work closely with the Treasury Minister, Senator Alan Maclean, and their relationship is known to be strained. 

Just this week, Senator Maclean was forced to withdraw the hospital funding proposals, after a last minute alternative was put forward - allegedly by Senator Ozouf, something he denies. 

Senator Ozouf resigned a few months ago following the publication of damning report on the Innovation Fund, which he was politically responsible for, and which could lose up to £1.4million of taxpayers' money. A second report found that he only became legally responsible for the Fund in April 2016, and that is the basis for the Chief Minister saying he had been exonerated. However, other States members point out that he believed he was responsible for the Fund much earlier, and acted accordingly. 

In the statement published late on Friday night, Senator Ian Gorst said: “Senator Ozouf has significant experience in these sectors that are so vital for our economy. He has demonstrated hard work and commitment over many years in government and his time as Assistant Chief Minister saw a rise in both confidence and employment for Financial Services. It is right to bring him back to lead the significant work that is needed over the coming year.   

“Our strategic plan was designed to take Jersey through a difficult economic period, while investing in priority areas like health and education, and also reforming our public sector. We need a strong economy to achieve these objectives and Senator Ozouf is well placed to provide political oversight for the important financial services sector and the growing digital sector.”

Pictured: Senator Ozouf speaking to the IoD this week. He told the audience his experience shouldn't go to waste.

Senator Ozouf added: “Islanders expect ministers to work hard and take responsibility for the important areas that are delegated to them. Looking ahead to the next twelve months there is a great deal of work in financial services and the digital economy that I am determined to bring to a conclusion.

“My priorities will be to implement the action plans already published and to prepare for the changing relationship between the UK and the EU. If we are to safeguard and successfully develop our business and professional services, it is essential that we focus on the challenges and opportunities Brexit brings. Much has been done, but there is still much more to do.”