We have a "brilliant" relationship - Minister denies split at top of Treasury

Wednesday 16 July 2014

Jersey Treasury Minister has described his relationship with the departing States Treasurer as "forthright" - but strongly denied she resigned because of it.

Senator Philip Ozouf was speaking in the States this week, following the resignation of Laura Rowley, just days before the 2015 Budget is announced. Ms Rowley says she wants to return to the UK to spend more time with her family, but senior politicians have been forced to deny speculation that there are other reasons for her departure.

Senator Ozouf said that he had a forthright constructive relationship with Ms Rowley, saying he enjoyed "almost all" the hours he had spent with her, and added that they had a "brilliant working relationship". 

Ms Rowley is the second most senior civil servant in Jersey, and Senator Ozouf publicly paid tribute to her record: “I applaud the service and dedication of the Treasurer over the last four years, she has done a spectacular job”. 

"I doubt there is another Chief Officer, working with my Ministerial team, who could have delivered on the agenda that we have. I hold the Treasurer in the highest esteem".

Commenting on the way he had managed Ms Rowley, Senator Ozouf added:

"I certainly don't think I am an angry person, I actually think I am a fairly happy person, with most of the time, a smiling face, as that is the way you get the best out of people by being nice, polite and motivating people, and the portrayal otherwise, I deeply regret".

Earlier this week, the Chief Minister confirmed that a pay-off deal had been reached with Ms Rowley, but it was within the terms of her employment contract.

Senator Gorst said he couldn't listen to every rumour, and States Members should respect the official reasoning she had given for her departure. 

Ms Rowley will continue working for another couple of weeks, including delivering the 2015 Budget on Friday.