Commissioner for Standards Investigation
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REPORT
The Privileges and Procedures Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 158 has considered the outcome of a recent investigation by the Commissioner for Standards in which it was found that no breaches of the Code of Conduct took place. Under Standing Order 158(1)(e) and 158(3) the Committee is not obliged to publish the Commissioner for Standards Report, providing it reports its opinion on the outcome of the investigation to the States instead. If no breaches are identified, no further action is required. The Privileges and Procedures Committee has considered a Report submitted by the Commissioner for Standards in relation to a complaint raised against Deputy Sam Mézec alleging he breached the Code of Conduct through comments made during online exchanges with a member of the public. It should be noted that the complaint was considered in accordance with the provisions of the pre-February 2026 Code of Conduct for Elected Members.
Having considered the full context of the exchanges, the nature of the comments, and the applicable legal principles, including the strong protection afforded to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, as incorporated into Jersey law, the Commissioner considered that such protection recognised that political debate can be robust, and that individuals are entitled to express views in terms that others may find shocking, offensive or disagreeable. She also reflected that those who voluntarily participate in public political debate can expect a greater degree of challenge and criticism. In these circumstances, although the language used was open to criticism, it did not amount to personal abuse, harassment, or gratuitous insult of the kind required to justify a restriction on the Member's Article 10 rights through a finding of breach of the Code.
The Privileges and Procedures Committee agrees that there was no breach and therefore no further action is required.
R.94/2026