Standards Commissioner for Channel Islands Parliament Steps Down

The joint parliamentary Standards Commissioner for Jersey and Guernsey, Dr Melissa McCullough, has resigned following the States’ decision to reject her recommendation for disciplinary action against Deputy Gavin St Pier.

Dr McCullough—whose findings, alongside those of a second independent commissioner, formed the basis for the proposed 25-day suspension—stepped down only hours after deputies voted 22–11 against the sanction. St Pier did not cast a vote and was one of five abstentions.

The case centred on a complaint from a local doctor who raised concerns about St Pier’s discussion with a Guardian journalist regarding safeguarding issues.

The debate ran for more than a day. During proceedings, Deputy Charles Parkinson warned colleagues that overturning the Standards Commissioner’s recommendation could undermine the oversight system:

“There has been discussion about how the Standards Commissioner and the States Assembly and Constitution Committee might respond. In my view, they would have no choice but to resign. And it’s my further opinion that finding anyone willing to replace them would be extremely difficult.”

Dr McCullough tendered her resignation shortly after the result, leaving her post effectively unworkable after the majority of deputies dismissed the advice of the very authority appointed to uphold parliamentary conduct.

The States Assembly and Constitution Committee, responsible for maintaining rules and procedures, now faces the task of managing the political fallout—complicated further by the fact that the Standards Commissioner also serves Jersey’s legislature.

Meanwhile, 17 Guernsey families represented by Deputy St Pier have issued an open, unsigned email urging politicians and health leaders to take action. They say their children have suffered from longstanding failures in paediatric care and safeguarding services stretching back nearly a decade.