Philip Ozouf to stand down from States in May

Wednesday 14 March 2018

Senator Philip Ozouf has announced he won't be standing for re-election, after 19 years in the States, saying that the time is right for him to take break.

Senator Ozouf was first elected to the States as Deputy of St. Helier No. 3 in December 1999, and then as Senator in 2002, 2008 and 2014.

He held the position of Economic Development Minister from 2005 to 2008
 and was Treasury Minister from 2008 to 2014. He was then appointed Assistant Chief Minister responsible for digital, financial services, innovation and competition, a position he held until last year, following the publication of a damning report into the Innovation Fund - Senator Ozouf denied being responsible for the Fund at the time problems mainly occurred. 

Writing on his own blog, Senator Ozouf said that he first stood on a platform of “pro-competition, reforming machinery of government and introducing more sustainable long–term public finances.”

Senator Ozouf said his role as States Member has “dominated all aspects of his life.” “I have made and lead many difficult decisions, some of which I recognise have not been popular. I have given all I could during this time, and the intensity of the way I have discharged the role is difficult to sustain,” he wrote before saying: “The time is now right for me to take a break.”

He aims to split his time between Jersey and London, and plans to take up a variety of roles in both the private and not-for-profit sectors in the areas of finance, digital and international development, “areas that are very close to my and my partner’s hearts,” he explained.

“Whilst I have decided to step down from elected office, I hope my life in Jersey, London and elsewhere can contribute to Jersey in other positive ways long into the future,” he added. During his remaining weeks in the States Assembly, Senator Ozouf says he will be committed to “leading various debates on matters that I believe are important to all islanders. “

“On reflecting back over 19 years, it has not always been easy. However, I hope that that in some small way my contribution leaves the island that I love so much in a better place today than it was back in 1999,” he concluded his announcement.