Gorst indicates support for Ozouf as a minister

During a Corporate Services Scrutiny panel hearing yesterday Senator Ian Gorst admitted that ‘feelings’ run high about his close political ally but that he believed that his ‘excellent skills’ were not being put to best use on the back benches of the States Assembly.

He added that ‘personal’ matters concerning Senator Ozouf should be put aside and the ‘best interests’ of Jersey considered. His comments came just hours after an informal Council of Ministers meeting at which it is understood the possible return of Senator Ozouf to the ministerial team was discussed.

Senator Ozouf resigned as an Assistant Chief Minister with responsibility for innovation, competition, finance and digital in the wake of the Innovation Fund fiasco. Senator Ozouf, who was not at the meeting, said he would like to return to the heart of government – but only if he had the support of ministers and the States Assembly.

Speaking from London, he said he had not heard from the Chief Minister for a few days and had not received any indication about a possible return or otherwise.

However, he added he would love to ‘get his teeth back into’ the issues formerly under his remit, including innovation, competition, finance and digital.

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