FURTHER disciplinary action by the States Assembly against Philip Ozouf is “technically possible”, but “highly unlikely”, the chair of the Privileges and Procedures Committee has said.
Deputy Steve Ahier, whose committee oversees facilities for elected Members and the code of conduct which they are bound by, spoke to the JEP following yesterday’s sentencing hearing.
Deputy Ozouf was clear to return to the Assembly, Deputy Ahier confirmed, as the suspension imposed on 11 November – as a “neutral” act on full pay – had only been in place until the conclusion of the legal proceedings marked by the sentencing.
Asked about whether any further action could now be instigated, Deputy Ahier said: “I would have thought with only three meetings left [before the Assembly ceases normal parliamentary activity ahead of June’s election] that it was highly unlikely that there would be any further action.
“It would be technically possible for any Member to bring a proposition, but there is very limited time before we go ‘en repos’ in April, so I would have thought unlikely.”
The committee proposed a previous sanction for Ozouf last September following his conviction for speeding and related offences earlier in 2025, with politicians voting in favour of a 28-day unpaid suspension.
The September ban was the maximum period permitted under the standing orders that govern Assembly business, Deputy Ahier confirmed. The PPC chair said last October that his committee would consider whether more severe maximum punishments should be brought in, including the prospect of a recall mechanism allowing electors to sack a sitting politician, but any changes are unlikely to be advanced ahead of the 7 June election.
In the UK, a politician can be recalled between elections if more than 10% of voters in their constituency sign a petition and specific criteria are met.
Following the news of Ozouf’s sentencing for Immigration Law offences, political party Reform Jersey issued a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the victims of these crimes,” the party said. “All migrant workers who come to Jersey to live and work deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and should be protected from exploitation.
“Jersey Customs and Immigration said in their statement ‘Ozouf deliberately and knowingly arranged for Rwandan migrant workers to undertake work which fell outside the conditions of their work permits’.
“Given the gravity and nature of these offences, Reform Jersey questions whether it is appropriate for Ozouf to continue serving as a Member of the States. Elected representatives are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct, and the public must be able to trust that those entrusted with making the law will themselves respect it.
“This case raises important questions about accountability, and about the message sent to migrant workers and to the wider community if those standards are seen to be compromised.”
