Deputy Ozouf faces second suspension from States Assembly

Deputy Philip Ozouf has been excluded from the States Assembly by his colleagues for a second time this year.

States Members voted 31 for and 8 against, with 6 abstentions, suspending the St Saviour representative.

The debate was held 'in camera', meaning it was not open to the public, to avoid prejudicing a pending court case.

Earlier this year, Deputy Ozouf admitted to several immigration offences in the Royal Court.

They concern the employment of Rwandan nationals at his launderette between 2021 and 2023, without the necessary change of employment permissions. The Deputy was the External Relations Minister during some of that period (2022-2024).

READ: Philip Ozouf admits immigration offences

The Deputy is awaiting sentencing. 

The States committee responsible for protecting the reputation of the Assembly and ensuring that members follow the Code of Conduct called for a vote to suspend the deputy until the case is resolved.

Privileges and Procedures said it did not think it would be appropriate for Deputy Ozouf to remain as a 'fully active' States Member. 

He will still be able to serve his constituents, and will be paid, but cannot participate in States sittings.

A suspension until his sentencing is unlikely to be concluded before the pre-election pause begins in April 2026, ahead of the next general election on 7 June.

PCC said that if he were to receive a custodial sentence of three months or more, without the option of a fine, he would immediately lose his role as a States Member.

A sentencing date is expected to be set in February.

Deputy Ozouf photographed leaving the Magistrate's Court

Deputy Ozouf was suspended for the first time in September 2025 for 28 days.

This was in response to motoring offences, including driving at more than twice the speed limit.

A police officer stopped Deputy Ozouf on 2 November 2024 and was found to be driving at 31 mph on a 15 mph road in St Helier, without displaying a valid insurance disc.

Deputy Ozouf also failed to attend three Parish Hall enquiries and was fined £575 in the Magistrate's Court.

His colleagues voted 29 in favour and 17 against suspending the politician with immediate effect and without pay.

The Deputy has repeatedly resisted calls from some colleagues for him to resign.