"I voted for what I believe to be the right thing for the island"

Wednesday 11 November 2020

One of the original backers of the 'no confidence' vote against the Chief Minister has shared why he made a late U-turn.

St. Mary Constable John Le Bailly signed Senator Kristina Moore's proposition alongside five other States Members last week:

• Senator Steve Pallett
• St. Saviour Constable Sadie Le Sueur-Rennard
• St. Brelade Constable Mike Jackson
• Deputy Louise Doublet
• Deputy Steve Ahier

In a report accompanying her proposition, Senator Moore explained that it was about more than just the "New River debacle" - the Chief Minister's decision to give verbal permission for Government CEO Charlie Parker to take on a second job - and also related to the hospital saga, population policy, Government expenditure and the restructuring of the civil service among other items.

But Constable Le Bailly told Express that the Chief Executive's second role was the key point for his parishioners. When the Mr Parker announced that he had "agreed" to step down from his role on Monday evening, this led him to ultimately change his view.

Pictured: Mr Parker's bio on New River's website.

"Ten days ago I agreed to support Kristina Moore’s proposal as parishioners were fed up with the Charlie Parker situation and actually blamed John Le Fondré, however the situation changed when CP decided to step down," he explained.

"Having received emails during lunchtime to support the CM, I decided to [vote against the proposition], not wishing to bring down the Government."

He added: "I voted for what I believe to be the right thing for the island."

In the end, the vote of no confidence was defeated, with 29 States Members voting to keep Senator Le Fondré in the island's top political role, and 19 voting to oust him.

Education Minister Senator Tracey Vallois abstained from the vote after the Chief Minister failed to respond to her request for a new States Employment Board sub-committee to reform HR policy in the wake of the New River row. She also asked for confirmation as to whether the CEO's departure date would be decided by the SEB or Council of Ministers.