A PROPOSITION calling for the Island’s Bailiff to be replaced by an elected Speaker has been withdrawn.
In a statement, Constable Andy Jehan, who proposed the move, said that he was “reluctantly” withdrawing his bid for an elected Speaker in the States to be chosen after the current Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, retires next October.
He said that the result of the vote, which had been due to take place on 10 December, was “effectively already known”.
More than a third of States Members – including Deputies Rob Ward, Sam Mézec and Lyndsay Feltham – as well as Assistant Chief Ministers Simon Crowcroft and Carina Alves, plus former Chief Minister Kristina Moore, had backed Mr Jehan’s proposition, which called for the change on the basis of democracy, accountability and efficiency.
But the proposition had been unpopular with some, including former Bailiff Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache, who said it would be “almost indecent” for States Members to remove the Bailiff from the historic role. He said the decision should be made in a public referendum, as it would mean “fundamental constitutional change”.
There have been a series of attempts to try to end the controversial dual role of the Bailiff, who heads the Assembly and the courts, with similar propositions having been lodged in recent years.
“I have reluctantly taken the decision to withdraw my proposition for an elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the States,” Mr Jehan said.
“I realise that this will be disappointing for the many Islanders and States Members who wish to see this longstanding recommendation of the Clothier Report, Carswell Review, and Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, finally be enacted. I have been of the view for many years that, while it is important to respect our traditions, Jersey must always seek to meet key democratic principles.
“Nevertheless, it has become apparent this week that, while a majority of States Members recognise that a move to an elected or appointed Speaker is an appropriate change, a number of Members regrettably feel unable to vote according to their conscience on this occasion.
“I would like to place on record my thanks to those States Members and Islanders who have offered their support in recent days and taken the time to discuss the proposition with me.”
