Ozouf ejected from Council of Ministers

Tuesday 20 June 2017

Senator Ozouf has been sacked from his position as Assistant Chief Minister over fears that he has become a “distraction."

His ejection from the Council of Ministers comes just hours before Chief Minister Ian Gorst faces a Vote of No Confidence in the States Assembly today, largely sparked by his reinstatement of the Senator in the wake of the Innovation Fund scandal.

Senator Gorst's recent decision to re-appoint him, and give him responsibility for the critical financial services industry, is one of the key factors which persuaded a group of 14 States Members, led by Constable Chris Taylor, to try and remove the Council of Ministers. They are also unhappy with the last minute U-turn on hospital funding, and the handling of the Jersey Innovation Fund report. 

Commenting on his decision to remove Ozouf from office, Senator Ian Gorst said: “It is disappointing that Senator Ozouf’s reappointment has become an unfortunate cause of diversion from the task of undertaking the important government work lies ahead. Senator Ozouf was reappointed to drive forward progress in the financial services and digital sectors for which, as I said at the time, he is well equipped to undertake. 

“It has, however, become clear over the last few weeks that his re-appointment has unfortunately developed into a serious distraction from the ongoing work of the Council of Ministers.

“I am sure that as a Member of the States Assembly Senator Ozouf will continue to focus on serving islanders and on making a positive contribution to the future of Jersey.”

Despite his sacking, Senator Ozouf told the Chief Minister in a letter, "The Vote of No Confidence in your leadership does not deserve to succeed."

For completeness this is the letter I sent to Chief Minister pic.twitter.com/TLCtE3N0hE

— Senator Philip Ozouf (@philipozouf) June 20, 2017

"In order to deal with the controversy that has arisen about my re-appointment and to avoid the action which I know you don't want to take - I suggest the issues about your leadership should be separated from those concerning my appointment," he added.

Offering his resignation in order for his ministerial role to be taken to the States for "endorsement", he reminded the Chief Minister: "I have always been prepared to do whatever is in the interests of Jersey, and hope that this is a way forward. I will remain supportive of you and what you stand for."

The move could reunite the Council of Ministers, who were deeply divided over the Senator's reappointment, potentially securing Senator Gorst the votes he needs to remain Chief Minister. Speaking with one voice against the Constable Taylor's proposition, the Council of Ministers today called for States members to, "...put aside any divisions and personality issues, focus on constructive and positive debate on the challenges facing the Island, and vote in favour of the Council continuing their important work with the Assembly to secure a better future for Islanders in the short period before the next election."

The States will sit today at 9:30, with the vote of no confidence expected at 12:10.