STRICTER sanctions for politicians who breach the code that governs their behaviour may be considered in future, according to the chair of the committee seeking to suspend a Member fined in Magistrate’s Court for speeding.

The Privileges and Procedures Committee – the panel of politicians responsible for the Code of Conduct for States Members – this week put forward a proposition to suspend Deputy Philip Ozouf for 28 days without pay and to “banish” him from the States Chamber.

It follows an investigation by the Commissioner for Standards, who concluded that Deputy Ozouf’s conduct “did not meet the standards of leadership, integrity, and accountability expected of those holding public office” after he was caught speeding at more than twice the limit and later failed to attend Parish Hall hearings or respond promptly to the Commissioner.

Deputy Steve Ahier, the newly appointed chair of the committee, told the JEP that the current maximum penalty of a 28-day suspension may not be sufficient in serious cases or where there may be multiple breaches.

“I may consider attempting to increase the sanctions only because of the possibility of a Member getting more than one sanction.” he said.

“We would only be able to sanction up to 28 days, which is the maximum permitted under Standing Orders.

“That may be considered by some to be not as high as it should be.”

Any change would require a proposition to amend Standing Orders, which set out the rules that govern the Assembly.

Deputy Ozouf was fined £575 earlier this year after being caught driving his BMW at 31mph in a 15mph zone in November 2024.

When stopped, the St Saviour representative failed to provide valid motor insurance, with the disc in his vehicle having expired in June 2023.

He later failed to attend three Parish Hall inquiries before pleading guilty in the Magistrate’s Court in February.

Four members of the public complained to the Commissioner for Standards, Dr Melissa McCullough, who found that Deputy Ozouf had breached four sections of the Code of Conduct.

She said: “While speeding is a relatively common offence, for someone in public office it carries wider implications. 

“It signals a lapse in judgment, a failure to demonstrate respect for the law, and ultimately a breach of public trust. 

“Furthermore, repeatedly failing to attend a Parish Hall Enquiry displays a disregard for accountability and a lack of respect for legal obligations.”

While acknowledging that personal difficulties – including bereavements and a recent ADHD diagnosis – had affected Deputy Ozouf ‘s ability to manage administrative tasks, Dr McCullough said that his failure to engage “appropriately” with the investigation signalled a “lack of respect” for “accountability mechanisms”.

Deputy Ahier said the PPC took no pleasure in lodging the proposition and described the circumstances as “unfortunate”.

“The lack of engagement with the parish, with the Magistrate’s Court, but also the lack of engagement with the Commissioner was most disappointing,” he added.

Asked whether reasonable adjustments should be considered for politicians with additional needs, Deputy Ahier confirmed that support had been offered to the Deputy.

Deputy Ozouf is facing further criminal charges after being charged with five counts under the UK Immigration Act. The politician is accused of five offences relating to the employment of Rwandan nationals at his laundrette, My Eco Laundry, between 2021 and 2023 and is due to next appear before the Royal Court on 3 October 2025.

The proposal to suspend Deputy Ozouf is due to be debated during the first States sitting of the new term on Tuesday 9 September.