TOMORROW’S States meeting will be dominated by Deputy Tom Binet’s no-confidence vote seeking to unseat Chief Minister Kristina Moore.
The former Infrastructure Minister’s proposition sets out a number of issues – including the resignation of former chief executive Suzanne Wylie, issues around the new-hospital development and the resignation of former Assistant Chief Minister Constable Andy Jehan – which he claims reveal a lack of adequate leadership on the part of the Chief Minister.
Over the weekend, Mr Jehan revealed on social media that he would be supporting Deputy Binet in tomorrow’s vote. In a video message, he said that he would explain why during the debate in the House.
During the same States session, St Helier North Deputy Steve Ahier is due to be nominated to succeed Deputy Binet as Infrastructure Minister, but his appointment will only be considered if the no-confidence vote – the first on the order paper – does not succeed.
After the no-confidence proposition, the Assembly will debate Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache’s attempt to repeal the amendment to the Planning Law, expanding the definition of “development” to include trees.
The amendment was passed by the previous States Assembly in 2022, but Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf’s efforts to give effect to that decision have been met with a series of objections, the last resulting in a defeat in the Assembly which the minister accepted sent him “back to the drawing board”.
Deputy Renouf wants the States to await his response to that latest setback, but Deputy Bailhache is asking for the amendment to be repealed to “sweep away all the complexities which would follow from expanding the definition of ‘develop’”.
The Assembly will also debate Deputy Max Andrews’ proposition to “enhance workers’ rights and to protect vulnerable adults against potential abuses” by limiting probationary periods at work to six months, preventing their extension more than once, suspending those periods where employees are absent for reasons unconnected to their performance and not allowing probationary periods for employees on fixed-term contacts of six months or less.
Other items of public business include consideration of the new Crime (Public Order) Law, updating legislation to create specific offences for threatening behaviour, which is currently dealt with under less specific charges; changes to the regulations governing the cold weather bonus; and amendments to States Standing Orders, including the Privileges and Procedures Committee’s initiative to change the order in which members are called.
The Environment Minister, External Relations Minister and Chief Minister will also answer questions without notice.
