Reform Jersey accused of trying to destabilise the Island

Tuesday 14 March 2017

The row over the controversial Jersey Innovation Fund boiled over again in the States today, with the Chief Minister accusing political party Reform Jersey of trying to destabilise the community.

His comments were sparked by repeated questioning from Reform Jersey politicians over whether Senators Lyndon Farham and Alan Maclean had been asked to, or had offered to, resign over the Innovation Fund scandal.

Both were involved in the allocation of loans from the Fund in their role, at different times, as Economic Development Minister. A report by the States spending watchdog later found that up to £1.4milion pounds of taxpayers' money was overdue in loan repayments, and could be at risk if those repayments weren't made. Her report led to the resignation of Senator Philip Ozouf, who was politically responsible for the Fund from at least January 2016. 

In the States today, the Chief Minister Senator Ian Gorst, repeatedly declined to answer the Reform questions, choosing instead to praise Senator Ozouf for doing the "honourable" thing, and stepping down, and to promise that if other Ministers were at fault, then action would be taken. 

But after being repeatedly pressed on whether other senior ministers had offered to resign, Senator Gorst responded by attacking Reform Jersey for trying to create instability in community:

“They have one aim Sir, and that is to delivery instability into this community, at a time when we need more stability."

“Let’s not point fingers at individuals, and going on a witch-hunt which are not about those individuals Sir, they are simply about removing this government and delivering instability to our community, and it cannot be right.”

But his comments were challenged by the Reform politicians who argued that accusing them of trying to destabilise the community was against the States rules for what can, and can't, be said in the Assembly. 

Rather than give a straight answer to a simple question, the Chief Minister goes on a vitriolic attack of @ReformJersey . #truecolours pic.twitter.com/8phAbMw8sP

— Montfort Tadier (@DeputyTadier) March 14, 2017

7 times we asked the same question of the Chief Minister. 7 times he refused to answer. This is why the public don't trust politicians.

— Reform Jersey (@ReformJersey) March 14, 2017

The Bailiff, William Bailhache, though, said the Chief Minister's comments could stand, as trying to bring "instability" was similar to a simple desire to see change:

“To want to achieve change is not of itself improper, and therefore, to accuse members of the Reform party of wanting change does not imply any improper motive.”

There are currently four reviews being done into the activities of the Innovation Fund - three instigated by the Chief Minister after the publication of the Comptroller and Auditor General's damning report, and one being worked on by the Public Accounts Committee.