Children’s and Housing Minister Sam Mézec has made several attempts to split the historic dual role – most recently in May. However, he withdrew his proposition when Members voted in favour of an amendment which would have forced the matter to go to a referendum.
The dual role has come under intense scrutiny in recent years with critics suggesting that the Bailiff should not be head of both the law-making States and the law-interpreting courts.
Last month the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry recommended that the Bailiff should be removed from the States role.
However, supporters of the Bailiff’s position have argued that the dual role has served the Island well for centuries and does not need changing.
During his final States sitting last week, current incumbent Sir William Bailhache delivered a speech defending the dual role. This sparked further controversy with some politicians criticising the Bailiff for making what they perceived to be a political speech while presiding over a States sitting.
Now Senator Mézec has revealed he is planning to bring forward a fresh proposition to split the role.
The issue was due to be discussed by the Council of Ministers this morning and Senator Mézec has said that if he fails to secure support from around the ministerial table he will bring a proposition to the Assembly.
He added that the plan would be to appoint an elected speaker to oversee States sittings, with the Bailiff still remaining as head of the courts.
On his Facebook page, Senator Mézec said: ‘He [Sir William] has brought the office of Bailiff into further disrepute and has made it clear that the office is not apolitical and must be split to ensure Islanders have the democratic protections of a true separation of powers in Jersey. Funny how those who are the staunchest defenders of the dual role of the Bailiff repeatedly assert that it’s okay to have a judge do the job in the States because it’s “apolitical”, yet when he makes an overtly political speech they still defend it by saying he’s allowed to speak his mind!
‘Come on folks, you can’t have it both ways.’
