SEB Writes 'Confidential' Letter To Charlie Parker

Friday, 6 November 2020 18:01

At the end of a week of meetings about Mr Parker's second job, the Chief Minister has broken his silence to say the SEB is writing to him - but we won't be told the contents.

Talks have been going on this week about Charlie Parker's Non Executive Directorship with NewRiver.

The Council of Ministers had said it was 'not compatible' with his current duties as head of Jersey's civil service.

The Chief Minister met the Chief Executive this week to discuss the CoM's position and the pressure for him to resign from the additional role, and then held more talks with Minister.

Late on Friday afternoon, Senator John Le Fondre issued a statement:

"The Council of Ministers, chaired by me, met yesterday with the Chief Executive to understand his position with NewRiver, a publicly listed company on the London Stock Exchange. After listening to his comments, the Council continues to assert that the non-executive role is not compatible with his duties as Chief Executive at this time.

The Council of Ministers is the political leadership of the Government and is not the employer of the Chief Executive. The Council also recognise that this is a matter between the Employer and the Chief Executive.

Subsequently, the States Employment Board , chaired by the Vice-Chair Connetable Richard Buchanan, met with the Chief Executive today as his employer. They will be writing to him with their position. The letter is confidential.

I cannot comment any further on this employment matter."

The government also released a statement from the States Employment Board.

"The States Employment Board chaired by the Vice-Chair Connetable Richard Buchanan, met with the Chief Executive today as his employer. We will be writing to him with their position. The letter is confidential.

We will not provide any comment any further on this employment matter."

The Chief Minister is facing a vote of no confidence next week prompted by his handling of this matter. It has been brought by Senator Kristina Moore and has the backing of at least seven States Members including Senator Steve Pallett who has resigned his Ministerial duties.

The Public Accounts Committee said it would be looking into Mr Parker's NED role, adding that it 'raises many questions'.