Two of the three members of Forward Guernsey have raised “deep concerns” about the looming debate that could see their political colleague suspended.
Deputies Rhona Humphreys and Tom Rylatt were elected to the States alongside Deputy Gavin St Pier earlier this year, as members of the only political party to field candidates in Guernsey’s general election.
With Deputy St Pier facing a 25-day suspension from all political work this week, Deputies Humphreys and Rylatt have cautioned the States against backing his suspension warning that it “risks setting a precedent that we fear will jeopardise States Members’ ability to do the most fundamental part of our jobs. Namely, representing constituents and engaging with the media”.
“If approved, we believe this sanction will invite a chilling effect, discouraging deputies from speaking up on behalf of islanders,” they’ve said.
“Our priority as members of the States is to serve our community, to give voice to their concerns, and to represent them robustly. This finding undermines that role and sets an unreasonably low bar for deputies to be sanctioned – which will be to the detriment of islanders who place trust in their deputies to represent them.”
The latest Code of Conduct complaint against Deputy St Pier was lodged in January this year, following a conversation he had with a national newspaper journalist which was connected to the past events involving his family and others.
Deputy St Pier said that he confirmed to the Guardian’s reporter how many complaints he was aware of that had been made against Dr Sandie Bohin. When the reporter contacted Dr Bohin, she made a Code of Conduct complaint against Deputy St Pier.
She said Deputy St Pier had breached five sections of the States’ Members’ Code of Conduct in that interview, and the Standards’ Commissioner agreed, suggesting a 30-day suspension as punishment.
The deputy appealed and partially won with the recommended suspension reduced to 25 days.
The States are due to debate the recommended 25-day suspension this week.
If the States votes in favour of Deputy St Pier being suspended he will not be allowed to do any States work at all for 25-days.
He would have to leave the States Chambers immediately and will not be allowed back until shortly before Christmas. That would mean he would be absent for the meeting scheduled to start on 17 December.
The next States meeting then starts on 28 January but Deputy St Pier will be allowed to continue his political work immediately once the 25-day suspension period ends.