Chief Minister To Miss States Sitting

The Chief Minister's been delayed returning from his half-term holiday for this week's States sitting - after travel disruption stranded him abroad.

Senator John Le Fondré had been away last week and was due to return to the island on Sunday (27 February).

He emailed States Members apologising as he was unable to get back after having flights cancelled by both British Airways' technical problems, as well as foggy weather.

"As you may be aware there has been some significant travel disruption over the weekend mainly as a result of the cancellation by British Airways of many flights, and also some fog.

Unfortunately, I am one of a number of Islanders who have experienced delays as a result (being away with the family on annual leave).

We were due to return early yesterday evening, however very late Saturday night our flights were cancelled as part of the huge disruption that has taken place as a result of the system problems that British Airways have experienced."

It's not the first time the Chief Minister's missed part of a States sitting because he has been stranded off-island.

In 2020, politicians dedicated time in the Assembly debating the important business of how to record Senator Le Fondré's absence on the official record.

Since then, the Covid pandemic has meant attending States sittings virtually has become a common occurrence.

However, under the States Assembly's standing orders, politicians are still only allowed to take part if they are in Jersey at the time.

Senator Le Fondré asked the Bailiff and States Greffier whether he would be allowed to participate in this week's States sitting from abroad.

The exemption has been denied and Senator Lyndon Farnham - the Deputy Chief Minister - will face Questions Without Notice in Senator Le Fondré's absence