The Deputy Bailiff, Michael Birt, has ruled that the emergency meeting held on Thursday – which Senator Syvret refused to attend, saying he had not had time to prepare for it – did not breach the procedures laid down in the States of Jersey Law. That law states that the Chief Minister can only lodge a proposal to dismiss a minister with the support of the majority of the Council of Ministers, and only after the minister in question has had an opportunity to defend their position. Senator Syvret’s condemnation of ‘bitterly failing’ childcare and child protection standards, and his criticism of the civil servants he says are responsible, has prompted the Chief Minister to call for him to step down. It is understood that the Deputy Bailiff’s ruling was that the process of calling the emergency meeting was in order, but that the question of whether Senator Syvret was given enough notice and time to prepare will be a matter for the States to consider. Senator Walker has confirmed that he will push for a debate on the dismissal proposition – which comes just over halfway through the first term of ministerial government – at the next sitting on 11 September.
Jersey Evening Post
