Suspension: Deputy P.F.C. Ozouf of St. Saviour
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STATES OF JERSEY
SUSPENSION: DEPUTY P.F.C. OZOUF OF ST. SAVIOUR
Lodged au Greffe on 20th August 2025 by the Privileges and Procedures Committee Earliest date for debate: 9th September 2025
STATES GREFFE
2025 P.64
PROPOSITION
THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion
to agree, in accordance with Standing Order 21A, to suspend Deputy Philip Francis Cyril Ozouf of St. Saviour for 28 days with immediate effect as a sanction for breaches of the States Members' Code of Conduct as detailed in the Report R.127/2025.
PRIVILEGES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE
REPORT
It is with regret that the Privileges and Procedures Committee (the Committee) brings this proposition requesting that Deputy Philip Ozouf be suspended for the maximum period of 28 days provided by Standing Order 21A(3), but it considers it necessary given his numerous breaches of the Code of Conduct. If adopted, such suspension would, in accordance with Standing Order 164, take immediate effect and would banish the Deputy from the States Chamber and its precincts, restrict him from any parliamentary activity and withhold his remuneration for the duration of the suspension period.
Deputy Ozouf has been the subject of a recent investigation by the Commissioner for Standards in relation to 4 complaints received from the public alleging that he breached the States Members' Code of Conduct by failing to meet the standards of leadership, integrity, and accountability expected of those holding public office. Those complaints have been upheld by the Commissioner for Standards, who has found that Deputy Ozouf breached Paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Code of Conduct.
• 2. Public duty: Members have a duty to uphold the law in accordance with their oath of office and to act on all occasions in accordance with the public trust placed in them.
• 3. Personal conduct: Holders of public office should promote and support [the Nolan] principles by leadership and example to maintain and strengthen the public's trust and confidence in the integrity of the States and its members in conducting public business.
• 4. Conflict between public and private interest: Elected members should base their conduct on a consideration of the public interest, avoid conflict between personal interest and the public interest and resolve any conflict between the 2, at once, and in favour of the public interest.
• 5. Maintaining the integrity of the States: Elected members should at all times conduct themselves in a manner which will tend to maintain and strengthen the public's trust and confidence in the integrity of the States of Jersey and shall endeavour, in the course of their public and private conduct, not to act in a manner which would bring the States, or its Members generally, into disrepute.
On 2nd November 2024, Deputy Ozouf was stopped by a police officer and found to be driving at 31mph in a 15mph zone in St. Helier , without displaying a valid motor insurance disc. He then failed to attend 3 Parish Hall Enquiries, so the matter was referred to the Magistrate's Court, where on 11th February 2025, Deputy Ozouf was fined £575. Deputy Ozouf offered an unreserved apology to the Court on 11th February 2025.
4 complaints were received by the Commissioner for Standards on 21st February 2025, concerning Deputy Ozouf 's conduct and she wrote to him on the same date requesting a written response. Having received no response from the Deputy , she commenced an investigation on 13th March 2025. Deputy Ozouf subsequently voluntarily made an apology to the States Assembly on 19th March 2025.
Continued lack of engagement with the Commissioner further delayed the review process until an interview with Deputy Ozouf was eventually conducted on 6th May 2025. During the interview, Deputy Ozouf did not dispute the facts; he acknowledged that he had been speeding, that a valid insurance disc had not been displayed and that he had failed to attend 3 Parish Hall Enquiries, resulting in the matter proceeding to Magistrate's Court and a fine being imposed.
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P.64/2025
As part of the process provided for by Standing Order 158, Deputy Ozouf exercised his right to address the Committee on 14th August 2025. The Committee recognised the significant personal impact of events on the Deputy 's wellbeing, and acknowledged the mitigation he provided, as well as the fact that he had apologised for his actions.
However, the Committee concluded that Deputy Ozouf 's actions did not meet the standards of leadership, integrity, and accountability expected of those holding public office.
Elected representatives are expected to model lawful behaviour and demonstrate respect for due process. This obligation also extends to timely and constructive engagement with the Commissioner for Standards.
The Committee is resolute that, should there be future breaches of the Code of Conduct by Deputy Ozouf , it will seek to apply further sanctions as appropriate. The Committee considers the proposed suspension to be proportionate in this instance, as the Deputy 's actions and lack of regard for the Island's Laws and judicial process, have damaged the integrity and reputation of the Assembly.
Financial and staffing implications
The Deputy will not be entitled to his remuneration for the 28-day suspension period, but there are no other financial or resource implications arising from the adoption of this proposition.
Children's Rights Impact Assessment
A Children's Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) has not been prepared in relation to this proposition as a CRIA is not required, in accordance with Schedule 2 to the Children (Convention Rights) (Jersey) Law 2022.