REFORM Jersey leader Deputy Sam Mézec did not breach States’ behaviour rules during a social media exchange with a member of the public, an official investigation has concluded.
The finding was reported by the Privileges and Procedures Committee following an independent investigation by Jersey’s Commissioner for Standards, the independent official tasked with investigating complaints against States Members.
According to a PPC report published yesterday, the commissioner ruled that while the language used in the Deputy remarks was “open to criticism”, it did not amount to personal abuse, harassment or gratuitous insult.
The report emphasised that political speech is afforded strong protection under freedom of expression laws, noting that debate can be “robust” and may include views others find “shocking, offensive or disagreeable”.
PPC said the commissioner, Dr Melissa McCullough, had also expressed the view that “those who voluntarily participate in public political debate can expect a greater degree of challenge and criticism”.
The committee said it agreed with the commissioner’s conclusions and confirmed that no further action would be taken.
The complaint was investigated under the pre-February 2026 Code of Conduct for elected Members.
