Chief Minister in misconduct row

This is not Jersey in the News! Time for our neighbours in Guernsey to have problems with their Chief Minister.

By the sound of it, the language used makes Frank Walker's words that Stuart Syvret was trying to "shaft Jersey internationally" look like something out of Enid Blyton. Expletives were used, and it seems that fists may have been shaken in a threatening manner, although that is not totally clear - certainly violence seems to have been threatened, in what Deputy Trott calls "a robust exchange", but what appears to have been more like the kind of language that would have Mary Whitehouse spinning in her grave.

Another related, and curious matter - "Deputy Trott has been talking to the UK government about a statement defining Guernsey's international identity. He had been due to sign the agreement without referring it to the States and some Deputies aren't happy about that." I'll be posting more on that later as it applies to Jersey as well!

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Chief Minister in misconduct row

Guernsey's Chief Minister is facing an investigation into his alleged misconduct. Deputy Trott had an argument with Deputy Barry Brehaut last week during which its claimed he threatened violence.

All smiles as Deputy Trott takes on arguably the toughest job in Guernsey: trying to restrain the independent wills of forty-five States members. But the honey moon is undoubtedly over now with leaked news of a fracas with Deputy Barry Brehaut.

The two men are alleged to have disagreed over Deputy Trott's intervention in the public sector pay row. They then spoke in a corridor at Frossard House where it's claimed that Deputy Trott said in response to a conciliatory hand gesture from Deputy Brehaut: "Raise your hand to me would you, I'll knock your [expletive deleted] teeth out." Deputy Trott then turned to move away and it's claimed he said in a parting shot "Show me some [expletive deleted] respect." Deputy Brehaut's referred this whole matter to the Conduct Panel which will investigate what really happened in the light of rule nine.

Rule nine states: "Members shall at all times treat other members, civil servants and members of the public with respect and courtesy and without malice, notwithstanding the disagreements on issues and policy which are a normal part of the political process."

This row isn't just undignified. It also raises serious questions about the way that government works. Lyndon Trott doesn't have prime ministerial powers so he has to rely heavily on force of personality to carry him through. And inevitably that will sometimes go wrong. But the bust up makes Deputy Trott's promise while speaking on Channel Report at the time of his election of a new style of government look like wishful thinking.

"The style has to be light on the tiller, it has to be a persuasive style but I am fortunate because I have worked with two very able chief ministers who have if you like contrasting styles in the past and Deputy Laurie Morgan and Deputy Mike Torode. I have learnt from their styles and I think that mine will come somewhere in between."

Ultimately if Barry Brehaut's complaint is upheld, the Chief Minister could be cautioned, suspended or expelled. But even if the official punishment were minor, the damage to his reputation is already undeniable.

http://www5.channelonline.tv/news/templates/guernseynews2.aspx?articleid=15790&zoneid=1

Chief Minister's statement on misconduct claim

Guernsey Chief Minister has made a statement on the allegation of misconduct made against him by Deputy Barry Brehaut which is being investigated by the States Conduct Panel. The statement was leaked to Channel Online:

"I can confirm that a robust exchange took place [last] week between myself and Deputy Brehaut following a fundamental difference of opinion on an important principle discussed in a meeting. I understand that this exchange may now form the subject of a formal complaint under the Code of Conduct which governs States Members. I welcome this impartial process which will consider all the facts, which will listen to the viewpoints of both side and above all will put the incident and the actions undertaken in context.

I intend to co-operate fully with any inquiry that may take place. In the meantime, I believe it would be quite improper for either myself, Deputy Brehaut or others to discuss any matters relating to it until the process has run its course."

http://www5.channelonline.tv/news/templates/guernseynews2.aspx?articleid=15791&zoneid=1