Assistant Minister Suspended

Friday, 29 March 2019 14:51

Deputy Montfort Tadier has been suspended from his role as an Assistant Minister.

The Assistant Economic Development Minister was stripped of ministerial responsibilities this morning, after emailing States Members calling for a civil servant to be sacked.

He asked for them to 'be removed from States Employment' and called on members of the Assembly to 'back a proposition to this effect'.

However, the government employee was copied into the email calling for their removal.

The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, says Deputy Tadier's actions are a clear breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct, which says:

“Ministers and Assistant Ministers have a duty to give fair consideration and weight to the advice of officers; must uphold the political impartiality of officers and not ask them to act in a way which would conflict with their responsibilities and obligations; and should act with courtesy and respect at all times toward officers, recognising their obligations as a good employer, for example, in promoting an environment that excludes bullying and discrimination and supports the open expression of views. In turn, officers have a duty to show the same consideration to Ministers and Assistant Ministers, recognising the authority of the ministerial office.”

The Reform Jersey Deputy met with the Chief Minister and Economic Development Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, this morning where he was suspended until the 20th May and asked to retract his comments and apologise.

Both Deputy Tadier's party Chairman - Senator Sam Mézec - and Privileges and Procedures Committee Chairman - Deputy Russell Labey - have been informed of the suspension.

Reform Jersey has been contacted for comment.