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The leading Health scrutineer has lost a vote of no confidence against him following an acrimonious spat with members of his panel.
In what was described as an "unedifying" debate by Deputy Carolyn Labey, Deputy Geoff Southern was ousted as Chair of the Health and Social Security Panel, which is responsible for examining policy set by the Health Minister, by 17 votes to 15.
However, the divisive nature of the debate was shown in the fact that 14 Members opted to abstain - with a number of politicians being heavily critical of the motion.
The dispute was ignited following a complaint from Health Minister Karen Wilson over the behaviour of panel members Deputies Barbara Ward and Andy Howell.
Deputy Southern, as a result, asked the two Deputies to resign from the panel as he felt they had breached the code of conduct for States Members.
However, panel vice-chair Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache leapt to the defence of Deputies Ward and Howell and brought a no-confidence motion against Deputy Southern.
In the Assembly on Wednesday morning, Deputy Bailhache said that Deputy Southern had "grossly exaggerated the conduct of the two Deputies to justify his position".
The Chamber was deeply divided over the issue, with a number of Members criticising the fact that they were being asked to pass judgment on a disagreement within the panel.
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