Bailiff vote backtrack

Friday 03 May 2019

States Members have voted to put a halt to further discussions about the Bailiff's role - after deciding yesterday that the public should decide his fate.

Senator Sam Mézec, who was bringing forward proposals for an 'elected speaker' similar to the UK's system in place of the Bailiff presiding over the Assembly, withdrew his proposals.

It came after politicians voted yesterday that, if his proposals were agreed, the public should vote on them before they become a reality.

Senator Sam Mézec has advised the #StatesAssembly that he wishes to withdraw his proposal to elect a Speaker (and Deputy Speaker) to take over the duties of Presiding Officer from the Bailiff #JerseyCI

— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) May 3, 2019

Senator Mézec, however, said that if a decision was made today then there would be no chance to consider the "compromise" option that the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, suggested this week.

States Members agreed with Senator Mézec that his plans should be withdrawn by 35 votes.

The #StatesAssembly has voted to ADOPT the request from Senator Sam Mézec to withdraw his proposal on the #Bailiff. RESULT: 35 FOR vs. 3 AGAINST

— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) May 3, 2019

Senator Le Fondré's compromise involves keeping the Bailiff, but allowing a speaker to preside if he isn't available.

The matter of the Bailiff's controversial dual role as part of the island's judiciary and legislature - areas which are usually kept apart in other jurisdictions - won't come up again until June when the Chief Minister will try and gain support for his idea.

Day 4 in the States today. This is the day where Sam Mezec withdraws his proposal on replacing the Bailiff as speaker of the States, thereby rendering useless 3 hours of painfully tedious debate yesterday.

— Kirsten Morel (@KirstenJersey) May 3, 2019

Deputy Kirsten Morel said that Senator Mézec's decision to withdraw his plans had rendered "useless three hours of painfully tedious debate".