Sir Richard McMahon began today’s (27 September) States debate by reminding deputies of their responsibilities in line with the States’ Code of Conduct.
During a debate on the 8 September a female voice was heard to say “d**khead” while Deputy Lester Queripel was speaking.
While Sir Richard avoided repeating the language used, he instead took the opportunity to remind members of how they should conduct themselves.
“Article 20F provides that people’s deputies must comply with the Code of Conduct in all aspects of their public life.
“Members should treat all other members with courtesy and without malice – not withstanding disagreements on policy. I take the view that name calling is disrespectful to any other member.”
He said he had “spent more time than I care to recall” investigating the swearing incident.
“[However], having listened to what took place, I am satisfied that the comment made as has been reported, when Deputy Queripel was speaking, was from within this chamber.
“It is not my role to investigate that further and I have no knowledge whether any complaint has been made to the Commissioner of Standards – because it is then a privater matter.”