Philip Ozouf Faces Third Suspension as Conduct Breach Sparks Fresh Sanctions Call

Politicians in Jersey have put forward a proposal to suspend Philip Ozouf from the States Assembly for a third time in just over six months following his recent criminal sentencing.

The move comes from the Privileges and Procedures Committee, which monitors the conduct of elected members. The committee said the deputy violated the code of conduct after receiving a sentence of 120 hours of community service for breaching the island’s immigration laws.

Ozouf had previously been suspended in September over speeding offences and failing to attend parish hall inquiries, and again in November pending sentencing for the immigration case. If the latest proposal is approved, he would be barred from the Assembly for 28 days without pay. The earliest a vote could take place is 10 March. The BBC said it had contacted him for comment.

The Royal Court heard that Ozouf employed Rwandan nationals at his launderette business and private residence despite them lacking legal permission to work in Jersey. In addition to the community service order, he was instructed to pay £5,000 in legal costs.

He was sentenced alongside Roberto Lora, director of the Savoy Hotel, who received a £5,000 fine for attempting to assist unlawful immigration.

The committee’s formal proposition states Ozouf breached rules requiring members to uphold the law and avoid conduct that could damage the Assembly’s reputation or public confidence.

The action has been welcomed by Reform Jersey leader Sam Mezec, who said publicly that Ozouf should consider resigning from the Assembly altogether.