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Deputy Philip Ozouf suspended

Deputy Philip Ozouf has been suspended from the States Assembly, following his sentencing for employing migrant workers illegally.

Members voted 34 in favour and five against the suspension of the Deputy.

Six members chose to abstain from the vote.

In February, Deputy Philip Ozouf was sentenced to 120 hours of community service and ordered to pay £5,000 for immigration offences.

READ: Philip Ozouf sentenced to 120 hours community service.

States Members debated the motion, which was brought forward by the Committee that oversees States Members' conduct, in this morning's (10 March) States sitting.

The suspension was debated in his absence, after he was also missing from the state sitting prior (24 February) when it was originally meant to be debated.

Deputy Ozouf faces third suspension

Deputy Monfort Tadier said delaying the debate again would be 'kicking a can down the road, this does need to be dealt with.'

Politicians said:

"The Deputy should have resigned; this was a court case."

With others adding:

"This is a tough decision that we have to make, but it is about upholding our code of conduct and holding ourselves to the highest standards."

"We are elected to represent people, and we have a high expectation."

Others noted that they 'did feel sorry' for the deputy, that he was 'suffering with his mental health', but others agreed it was 'obvious' was needed to happen. 

He will be suspended for 28 days.

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