"Unusual" requests see 'mental health minister' role withdrawn

Thursday 26 November 2020

It might just be the shortest ministerial career on record - Deputy Kevin Pamplin has confirmed he was offered the role of Assistant Minister with responsibility for Mental Health, only for the job to be withdrawn hours later after he made what his new boss has described as "unusual requests".

The Scrutineer and mental health campaigner was offered the role by the Health Minister last week, before the Chief Minister confirmed the offer on Sunday.

However, upon sharing his position on a number of issues in an email accepting the offer on Monday evening, the Deputy - who voted against the Chief Minister in the recent vote of no confidence - had it withdrawn from him.

Among his requests, which were described as "unusual" by the Health Minister, was confirmation that the Government would publish up-to-date minutes from its scientific advisers meetings on covid in line with a proposition he successfully pushed through the States Assembly in summer, but was not fully enacted.

He also asked for a seat at the main Council of Ministers table to "ensure all aspects of policy and decisions have factored the effects of islanders' mental health... as relevant."

Following the news today, in response the Health Minister has referenced my acceptance letter. So I now feel I can share it & you can see what I said in accepting the role. It’s nothing I’ve not said or stood for before & it’s my belief this can/should be achieved in government. pic.twitter.com/FMyykQtFEB

— Deputy Kevin Pamplin (@KevinPamplin) November 25, 2020

Revealing that the offer had been withdrawn from him yesterday afternoon, Deputy Pamplin wrote on Twitter: "As I said in my acceptance, transparency is one of my key principles.

"I took careful time in considering the offer and offered to take the same approach that I bring everyday into that role. And I respect that's not something they could accept."

"So nothing changes other than my resolve has been strengthened to do my best for the island and you all."

At some point I will share my email with my response. For now I wish the Minister & Chief Minister success, as I keep saying they must because then Jersey succeeds. Also to whoever takes that position as well. As I said in my acceptance transparency is one of my key principles

— Deputy Kevin Pamplin (@KevinPamplin) November 25, 2020

He also wished "success" to the Health Minister and Chief Minister, as well as the States Member that ends up taking the role.

The Health Minister, Deputy Richard Renouf, who withdrew the offer after speaking to the Chief Minister, later released a statement clarifying why the offer was rescinded.

“I offered Deputy Pamplin the opportunity to serve as my Assistant Minister after a lengthy discussion with him on Thursday.

"He asked for some time to consider the offer. I then received an email on Monday in which the Deputy indicated his willingness to accept the role but he made it conditional upon a number of requirements that I considered unusual for a prospective Assistant Minister to request," Deputy Renouf explained.

Pictured: The Health Minister said Deputy Pamplin's acceptance was based on a number of conditions he felt it "unusual for a prospective Assistant Minister to request."

“These requirements demonstrated that our approaches to the role would differ and I felt the Deputy was not taking into account the wide-ranging responsibilities that arise from working within government. 

“Deputy Pamplin has sent a further email to say that he understands my position and respects my decision. He is a skilled and passionate scrutineer who works hard in the important role of holding Government to account.  I wish him well in that role and have little doubt that he will continue to be an effective and committed member of the States Assembly.”

Chief Scrutineer Senator Kristina Moore responded positively to the news, telling Deputy Pamplin on Twitter: "Their loss. Our gain! Looking forward to seeing you complete the excellent work underway with #ScrutinyJsy."

Their loss. Our gain! Looking forward to seeing you complete the excellent work underway with #ScrutinyJsy

— Kristina Moore (@Moore4Jersey) November 25, 2020

The role had previously been held by Senator Steve Pallett, who resigned from it in order to support a vote of no confidence against the Chief Minister earlier this month.

A member of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel, Deputy Pamplin had previously co-authored a damning review of the island's mental health services, which led to widespread calls for reform in early 2019, and recently a critical review of the Jersey Care Model.

Earlier this year, he also took up the role of Chair of the OneGov Review Panel, which is tasked with reviewing the public sector reform project.