And, if backbench suspicions are correct, that return could even be – subject to States approval – at the helm of a new ministry that would be created encompassing digital, finance and innovation.
Senator Gorst – who survived a vote of no confidence 34 votes to 13 following a six-hour debate on Tuesday – said he had been ‘humbled’ by the support from the Members who backed him, describing it as like ‘being elected all over again’.
He also pledged to consult more with backbenchers and be more open about disagreements within the Council of Ministers, including informing the States during debates about which ministers had opposed certain policies and why.
And, asked if there was any kind of ministerial future for Senator Ozouf, the Chief Minister said: ‘Is it possible he could return? Yes it is.’
He said that during Tuesday’s debate some backbenchers had said they supported the previous decision to reinstate Senator Ozouf as an Assistant Chief Minister, with a conversation even taking place about a proposition being lodged to bring him back into the ministerial fold.
However, Constable Chris Taylor, who brought the vote of no confidence against Senator Gorst, said he understood that plans were afoot to resurrect an idea from 2014 to create a new ministry which Senator Ozouf could lead.
Senator Ozouf stood down as Assistant Chief Minister with responsibility for digital, finance, competition and innovation following a damning report into the Jersey Innovation Fund.
Senator Gorst later reinstated him – only to dismiss him hours before the vote of no confidence debate this week.
