AN assistant minister has resigned from her role, citing deepening disagreements with the Council of Ministers over key areas of policy and governance.
Deputy Moz Scott has announced this evening that she has stepped down from her role as Assistant Minister for Sustainable Economic Development and External Relations.
She said that although she initially believed her priorities aligned with those of ministerial colleagues, “over time it became clear that there are fundamental differences in approach to administrative redress, economic policy and transparency”.
The St Brelade Deputy added that the Ministerial Code of Conduct had limited her ability to speak publicly while in office, and that she could no longer continue in a role where she did not support key decisions.
Deputy Scott explained that she had delayed her resignation in order to complete and publish a report on how complaints against public services are handled.
While acknowledging that failings in public services are well documented, she said insufficient progress had been made towards introducing a Public Services Ombudsman.
“Islanders who experience persistent administrative failure deserve effective redress,” she said, adding that political leadership on the issue had “not been sufficiently responsive”.
The departing Assistant Minister confirmed she had previously raised concerns in November 2024 about the risks associated with the Island’s preferred ferry operator and its pricing model.
Those concerns included potential knock-on effects on both the cost of living and visitor numbers.
“In my view, those risks have materialised,” she said. “An alternative approach was proposed but not accepted.”
Deputy Scott also raised concerns about economic policy, arguing that some decisions supported by ministers had negatively impacted sectors such as farming, tourism and retail, despite increased public funding.
Criticism was also directed at delays in government reform and a lack of transparency, including the non-publication of economic advice that did not support certain policies.
“Good decision-making depends on open scrutiny of evidence, particularly where public funds and long-term economic outcomes are concerned,” she said.
Despite her concerns, Deputy Scott highlighted achievements during her time in office, including work on cybersecurity legislation, intellectual property reform, online harms and data protection.
“I am proud of what has been delivered in these areas and grateful to the policy officers I worked alongside,” she said.
Deputy Scott concluded that improved living standards would require “stronger political leadership on economic policy”, Economy Department reform, and a modern system of administrative redress.
“For those reasons, I have concluded that it is right for me to step aside,” she said.
The announcement comes less than two months before Islanders head to the polls for the election on 7 June.
