Education Minister 'resigns' amid official probe into conduct

Wednesday 07 February 2018

The Education Minister has "stepped aside" from his Ministerial role amid an independent probe into his conduct as a States Member.

Deputy Rod Bryans announced the move himself, which will take place “with immediate effect”, in a statement.

A spokesperson for the States said that "stepping aside" means, "...stepping aside while the investigation takes place. Deputy (Anne) Pryke will fulfil the functions of the Education Minister, but there won’t be an election for a new Minister, which is what would happen if a Minister resigned."

The Deputy’s departure from the Education Department comes following a complaint to the Commissioner for Standards Paul Kernaghan CBE, who is appointed to independently investigate complaints into States Members.

The Commissioner received a complaint into Deputy Bryans’ conduct on 24 January. Deputy Bryans said that he was “not aware of the precise details of the complaint”, but that he was “of course fully cooperating with the Commissioner and will continue to do so.” 

Pictured: Deputy Anne Pryke will fill in for Deputy Bryans.

He is alleged to have breached paragraph five of the Code of Conduct, which refers to ‘maintaining the integrity of the States':

“Elected members should at all times conduct themselves in a manner which will tend to maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of the States of Jersey and shall endeavour, in the course of their public and private conduct, not to act in a manner which would bring the States, or its Members generally, into disrepute.

“Elected members should at all times treat other members of the States, officers, and members of the public with respect and courtesy and without malice, notwithstanding the disagreements on issues and policy which are a normal part of the political process."

The alleged breach is being treated as a Ministerial rather than Education Department matter, Express understands.

Deputy Rod Bryans is stepping aside as Education Minister with immediate
effect while an investigation by the States Commissioner for Standards takes place. Assistant Minister Deputy Anne Pryke will take on his duties in the interim.

— Jersey Education (@JerseyEducation) February 7, 2018

Deputy Bryans added: “I look forward to the investigation being resolved as quickly as possible.”

He said he will be offering no further comments at this time.

The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, did not comment on Deputy Bryans’ departure, but thanked Deputy Pryke for assuming responsibility for the Minister’s portfolio. 

“Deputy Pryke has been Assistant Education Minister since 2014 and has been fully involved in all the department’s major initiatives since then,” he said.