Sir Philip steps down after nearly 50 years in public eye

Tuesday 03 April 2018

From a parish Deputy to the Attorney General, Bailiff and now Minister of External Relations, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache has had a long and varied career – but now, after nearly half a century in the public eye, the Senator has announced he will be stepping out of the political arena.

In a statement released this afternoon, Senator Bailhache confirmed that he will not stand for re-election in May.

The 72-year-old Minister, who has been leading Brexit negotiations on behalf of the island, described his time as a serving member of the States Assembly as a “privilege.” 

Nonetheless, he added: “I think that we are currently as well placed as it is possible to be in these uncertain times, and I am confident that the first class officials in the Ministry of External Relations will continue to give good advice to my successor.” 

Pictured: The Senator stamping a taxation agreement in his role as Minister for External Relations.

Sir Philip first entered politics in 1972, elected Deputy of Grouville. Three years later, the Oxford-educated law scholar resigned from this post, instead taking to the role of HM Solicitor General. By 1986, he had moved to the post of HM Attorney General, before being sworn in as Deputy Bailiff eight years later in 1994. He then rose to the rank of Bailiff – a position he maintained from 1995 to 2009, which is now held by his brother, Sir William.

In 2011, the Senator returned to the States Chamber in a political capacity, this time as Senator. He was appointed the island’s first ever Minister for External Relations in 2013, and returned to the role when re-elected in 2014.

In recent years, the Senator has been known for his vocal opinion on the role of the Bailiff, which he believes should not change, after it came into question following the publication of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry report.

Sir Philip was absent from the States Assembly for a period after being taken ill last September, leading to a spell in hospital. Weeks later, however, he returned to the States, continuing to lead the island’s efforts to overcome the challenges of Brexit. During his time as External Relations Minister, he also signed a number of taxation agreements with other countries.

He is the fourth Minister to confirm his departure from the States Assembly. Treasury Minister Senator Alan Maclean said that he would be leaving to be able to focus on his family after more than a decade as a politician. Education Minister Deputy Anne Pryke also announced her intention not to run again last month, which followed Infrastructure Minister Deputy Eddie Noel’s statement that he would retire from politics.

Assistant Ministers Senator Paul Routier and Deputy Peter McLinton have also confirmed that they will not stand again.