Deputy Gavin St Pier says he “remains focused on my key responsibilities” despite facing suspension from the States amid the ongoing conflict between himself and a doctor.
It’s been revealed today that he has been found guilty of breaching the States Members Code of Conduct. The situation is understood to be linked with an interview the Deputy gave to a national newspaper.
It’s also understood that the Standards Commissioner has recommended that Deputy St Pier be suspended from all States work for 30 days as a result.
That has not been confirmed to Express but Deputy St Pier, who is a member of the States Assembly and Constitution Committee, has said he will recuse himself from any talks on the matter when SACC comes to discuss it.
Reacting to the reports today, Deputy St Pier confirmed the current Code of Conduct matter is connected to past events involving his family and others where safeguarding concerns had been raised.
He also said the situation should have been dealt with in accordance with the rules rather than being leaked to the public at this stage.
“This matter should not have been made public before the process has concluded,” he said. “It appears to repeat the leak of the Code of Conduct Panel’s report on the same issue in 2023.
“I cannot comment further on the content until such time as the States’ Assembly & Constitution Committee publishes a policy letter on the matter. Whilst I am a member of that committee, obviously I will recuse myself from any deliberations the committee may have on the issues arising.
“Although this has been dragging on for over three years, I am staying focussed on my key responsibilities. I remain concerned, as I have been throughout, that the wellbeing of families and their children who have been failed by our healthcare system are once again marginalised by this repetitious sideshow.”
Forward Guernsey has issued a brief statement on the matter today.
Deputy St Pier, Deputy Tom Rylatt, and Deputy Rhona Humphreys are all members of the political party.
Deputy Rylatt is also a member of SACC and the party has said he will recuse himself from talks on Deputy St Pier’s situation too, when the matter is discussed.
Deputies Rylatt and Humphreys jointly said: “it would be inappropriate for us to comment on the reported findings or recommendations at this stage”.
They said they will await the outcome of the parliamentary process before making any further comment.
“In the meantime, both we and Deputy St Pier remain focused on carrying out our responsibilities on behalf of the community and to work constructively within the Assembly.”