Minister's 'Untruths' Breached States Rules

Friday, 22 December 2023 09:30

Deputies Karen Wilson and Geoff Southern were found to have breached States rules

Jersey's Health Minister has been found to have breached the States Members' Code of Conduct.

The Commissioner for Standards upheld a complaint made against Karen Wilson and former Scrutineer, Geoff Southern.

An official complaint made against the two politicians by Assistant Health Minister, Rose Binet, claimed both Deputies made "untrue" statements about other States members in a letter to the Health and Social Security Panel, causing "much stress and reputational damage".

The Minister alleged that Barbara Ward had disclosed private details about Professor Hugo Mascie-Taylor's recruitment during a public scrutiny hearing.

She also claimed that Andy Howell had not "always acted in a professional manner" towards officers in the Health department.

Melissa McCullough - who oversees States complaints across the Channel Islands - said that by failing to acknowledge and rectify her inaccuracies, the Minister breached the rules.

The commissioner also criticised Deputy Southern for bringing the States "into disrepute" by making further "untrue" statements and "failing to listen and show respect" to other politicians.

Both Deputy Wilson and Deputy Southern have been told to apologise and set the record straight by correcting their previous mistakes.