Committee urges suspension of Deputy Philip Ozouf

Committee urges suspension of Deputy Philip Ozouf from States Assembly

Jersey’s Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC) has called for St Saviour’s Deputy Philip Ozouf to be suspended from the States Assembly while legal proceedings against him continue.

The committee, which oversees members’ conduct and safeguards the Assembly’s reputation, said the move was necessary following Deputy Ozouf’s recent guilty pleas to several offences under the UK Immigration Act in the Royal Court.

If the deputy receives a custodial sentence of three months or more without the option of a fine, he will automatically lose his seat as a States Member.

The PPC said this threshold alone was sufficient to justify suspension until the conclusion of the court case, which is not expected to be resolved before April 2026—two months ahead of the next General Election.

In its report, the committee said it would be “inappropriate” for Deputy Ozouf to remain a fully active member during this period.

If the proposition is approved by the Assembly, the St Saviour representative would be barred from attending or participating in States sittings but would continue to receive his salary and serve his constituents.

Deputy Ozouf was previously suspended for 28 days without pay in September, following findings that he had breached the States Members’ Code of Conduct by failing to uphold the standards of leadership, integrity, and accountability expected of elected officials.