Bailiff Future's Still Undecided

Friday, 3 May 2019 10:24

A vote that was expected today on the future role of Jersey's Bailiff has been scrapped.

Senator Sam Mézec has withdrawn his proposal for replacing the Bailiff in the States Assembly with an elected speaker.

It's after a change was voted through on Thursday that would have put it to a referendum.

Grouville Constable John Le Maistre secured backing for a public vote by 25-22 if politicians had gone on to adopt the proposition.

Day 4 in the States today. This is the day where Sam Mezec withdraws his proposal on replacing the Bailiff as speaker of the States, thereby rendering useless 3 hours of painfully tedious debate yesterday.
— Kirsten Morel (@KirstenJersey) May 3, 2019

The matter is due to return to the Assembly again in June when the Chief Minister will try and win support for a so-called 'compromise' that would keep the Bailiff's dual role.

Senator John Le Fondré wants the Bailiff to continue to preside over the Assembly, but an elected speaker to stand in his absence.

More from Jersey News

2026 Customer Service Award winners announced

The winners have been named at the 2026 Normans Customer Service Awards, powered by Channel 103.
More fruit on the menu for Jersey primary schools

Cake and ice cream is off the menu at Jersey's primary schools for at least two days a week. Fresh fruit is being offered instead.
Consultation opens on Assisted Dying standards

Islanders are being invited to give their thoughts on proposed standards for the Assisted Dying.
More reports of young people exploring derelict buildings

St Helier Honorary Police have written to parents via Jersey's secondary schools, following an increase in reports of young people exploring abandoned and derelict buildings.
Jersey man makes app to show best beach conditions

With 30 bays, it's not always easy to know which beach in Jersey is best to head for.
Haute Vallée installs security fencing after knife incident

New security fencing has been installed at Haute Vallée school, after a former pupil was recently found on a campus with a knife.
Haut Du Mont trial: Safety Officer ‘would’ve stopped the job’ if told truth about test

The Safety and Compliance Officer at Island Energy on the night of the fatal Haut du Mont explosion in December 2022 says if he'd known a leak test hadn’t been carried out before reintroducing gas to the network, he ‘would have stopped the job.’
Health authorities to consider 'cot cams' recommendation

A call for video monitoring of babies in neonatal cots and incubators will be considered by both Jersey and Guernsey's health authorities.