Why is a sitting Deputy facing the prospect of being locked out of the States Assembly for nearly a month, barred from political duties, and stripped of his pay?

Express explains how the case unfolded – what happened, what the behaviour watchdog found, and which specific rules the former minister was judged to have broken…

The Privileges and Procedures Committee – which is responsible for the code of conduct for States Members – yesterday put forward a proposition to suspend Deputy Philip Ozouf for 28 days without pay and to “banish” him from the States Chamber.

The move, which will be debated by Members next month, follows an investigation by the Commissioner for Standards into multiple complaints about the St Saviour representative’s behaviour.

So, what actually happened?

Deputy Ozouf was fined £575 earlier this year for driving his silver BMW along Les Ruisseaux – where the speed limit is 15mph – at 31mph in November 2024.

After being pulled over by an officer, the former minister failed to provide valid motor insurance – with the disc in his vehicle having expired in June 2023.

Deputy Ozouf subsequently failed to attend three parish hall inquiries.

He pleaded guilty to the offences in the Magistrate’s Court in February, and expressed remorse for his actions before publicly apologising during a meeting of the States Assembly in March.

Addressing Members in the Chamber, Deputy Ozouf said: “I wish to make a sincere and unreserved apology to the Assembly, my constituents and the people of Jersey.”

Explaining that an “administrative oversight” on his part had led to the “missed opportunity” to resolve the matter at parish level, Deputy Ozouf said the incident occurred around the anniversary of family events that had been “profoundly difficult.”

The former Treasury Minister – who also served as External Relations Minister in the previous government – added: “I apologise without reservation and hope I may continue to serve with focus and commitment for the remainder of this political term.”

The complaints and the investigation

Four members of the public lodged complaints with the Commissioner for Standards in February, alleging that the offences – and the failure to engage with the Parish process – breached the Code of Conduct for elected Members.

The Commissioner, Dr Melissa McCullough, wrote to Deputy Ozouf seeking a response but received no reply. She opened a formal investigation in March, eventually interviewing him in May.

At that interview, the Deputy admitted what had happened and explained that personal difficulties – including bereavements and a recent ADHD diagnosis – had affected his ability to manage administrative tasks.

In one email to the Commissioner, Deputy Ozouf wrote: “I must sincerely apologise for missing your earlier emails in February moreover, for not responding within the timeframe set out. I deeply regret this oversight.

“The delay was not intentional. I have been continuing to navigate back from an extraordinarily difficult personal period, which has significantly further affected my ability to manage even basic administrative matters.”

What rules did Deputy Ozouf break?

After reviewing the case, the Commissioner found that Deputy Ozouf breached Paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Code of Conduct: public duty, personal conduct, conflict between public and private interest, and maintaining the integrity of the States.

Paragraph 2 – Public duty

The Code of Conduct states: “Elected members must act in the interests of the people of Jersey, uphold the law in accordance with their oath of office and act on all occasions in accordance with the public trust placed in them.”

The Commissioner found that speeding is a criminal offence, and failing to attend a Parish Hall Enquiry when summoned shows “further disregard” for the legal system.

Paragraph 3 – Personal conduct

The Code of Conduct states: “Members should observe the principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.”

The Commissioner found that, by speeding, failing to attend and then failing to engage appropriately with the investigation, Deputy Ozouf “fell short” of the standards of leadership, integrity and accountability required of public office holders.

Paragraph 4 – Public versus private interest

The Code of Conduct states: “Members must base their conduct on the public interest, avoid conflicts with private interests and resolve any conflict immediately in favour of the public interest.”

The Commissioner found that Deputy Ozouf’s speeding prioritised a private interest – whether convenience or haste – over the public’s interest in road safety, legality and responsible conduct.

Repeated failure to attend parish hearings reinforced the impression that private concerns were placed above public duty, said Dr McCullough.

Paragraph 5 – Maintaining the integrity of the States

The Code of Conduct states: “Members should always conduct themselves in a way that strengthens public trust and avoids bringing the States, or its Members, into disrepute.”

The Commissioner found that Deputy Ozouf’s repeated non-attendance suggested a “disregard for due process and accountability”, while his lack of engagement with the investigation “signals a failure to respect the accountability mechanisms that apply to all Members”.

Dr McCullough concluded: “I recognise that Deputy Ozouf has faced personal difficulties over the past few years and that he has acknowledged challenges in completing administrative tasks, especially with ADHD.

“He has explained that these combined issues contributed to his failure to engage with both the Parish Hall Enquiry and with the Standards process.

“I have genuine empathy for these circumstances. However, as long as Deputy Ozouf remains an elected Member, he must fulfil his duties in accordance with the Code of Conduct to which he is bound.”

And what happens next?

The Commissioner’s report prompted the PPC to bring forward the proposition calling on the Assembly to suspend the Deputy for 28 days for multiple breaches of the Code of Conduct.

The PPC said the proposed sanction is the maximum allowed, and would take effect immediately if approved.

The report accompanying the proposition read: “If adopted, such suspension would, in accordance with Standing Order 164, take immediate effect and would banish the Deputy from the States Chamber and its precincts, restrict him from any parliamentary activity, and withhold his remuneration for the duration of the suspension period.”

In its report, the PPC acknowledged the personal challenges outlined by the Deputy and noted his apology.

But it concluded: “Deputy Ozouf’s actions and lack of regard for the island’s laws and judicial process have damaged the integrity and reputation of the Assembly.”

The Committee said the suspension was “proportionate in this instance” but added that “should there be future breaches of the Code of Conduct by Deputy Ozouf, it will seek to apply further sanctions as appropriate”.

States Members are due to decide on Tuesday 9 September whether to impose the suspension on Deputy Ozouf.