A MOVE which would have created a register of interactions States Members have with lobby groups has been rejected.
The proposition set out proposed guidance on lobbying and an engagement code for elected Members, including a public record of those seeking to influence political decisions.
Under the proposals, which were put forward by the Machinery of Government Sub-Committee, lobbyists could have included representatives of businesses, trade bodies, unions, charities and non-profit organisations, as well as any other group of people with a shared interest or purpose.
The sub-committee chair, Deputy Tom Coles, said that the fact that all Members have an equal vote and can bring their own propositions meant transparency around lobbying was necessary. He said that Members should be “transparent with the public about those interactions”.
“Lobbying is an essential part of our political process because has their expertise, everybody has their values and we are elected to represent people and their values,” he said.
His Reform Jersey colleague, Social Security Minister Lyndsay Feltham, referred to an earlier debate during the sitting on trans-inclusion guidance in schools, which was brought by Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache following discussion with the Women’s Rights Network.
Deputy Feltham said: “We have seen what happens as a result of lobbying. We have seen a proposition brought by a Member which, in my view, was the result of lobbying by an organisation.
“Perhaps, if the meetings held with that organisation were made public, then the other organisation that had a different view may have had a conversation with the Member and we may have avoided what was a very upsetting debate for many Islanders.
“I think it is really important to be cognizant of those conversations that we have.”
Under the proposition, politicians would have been required to log details of all formal interactions with lobbyists, including the names of those they engaged with and the dates on which this occurred.
However, despite being proposed by a sub-committee of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, PPC chair Deputy Steve Ahier spoke against it.
He said: “It will create a new level of unnecessary bureaucracy on future Members of this Assembly and may well deter people from putting themselves forward to stand for election in the future.
Deputy Ahier added that charities, community groups and business groups could be considered lobbyists under the law.
“I attended the charity sector event at the Trinity Showground on 16 March as did many other Members and prospective candidates,” he said.
If this proposal is passed, then each and every interaction at that event would have to be declared on the lobbying register. I am sure that Members would accept that this would be quite ludicrous.”
The proposition was defeated by 30 votes to 14.
