Deputy Andrew Lewis, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, was censured by the Assembly this week over allegations that he lied about the 2008 suspension of the former police chief Graham Power.
He has now written to the Bailiff Sir William Bailhache tendering his resignation from the panel.
The Privileges and Procedures Committee, which oversees States Members’ conduct, lodged the vote of censure – effectively a motion to publicly admonish a Member – against Deputy Lewis after finding that he breached the States’ Code of Conduct.
The Deputy has continually denied any accusations that he lied and has apologised to Members, admitting that he might have ‘unintentionally misled’ colleagues due to his wording.
Deputy Lewis stepped aside as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee while the PPC launched its investigation and had stated his desire to return to his work with the panel.
However, two Members of the group – Constable Simon Crowcroft and Deputy Judy Martin – have both resigned as a result of the findings against Deputy Lewis.
The successful vote of censure – which Members backed by 29 votes to 16 – has now prompted Deputy Lewis to resign.
In a statement, he said: ‘In early July I stepped aside from the Public Accounts Committee, in order to maintain the integrity of the PAC and so that I could concentrate on co-operating with the Privileges and Procedures Committee.
‘I delegated the Chairman’s responsibilities and duties to the Vice-Chairman, so that the important work of the PAC could continue unhindered. I told my Committee that if the PPC found against me and the Vote of Censure was carried, I would resign my position as Chairman of the PAC.
‘The Assembly spoke and the PPC’s Vote of Censure was carried. I therefore honour the promise made to my Committee and I have written to the Bailiff today offering my resignation as Chairman of the PAC.’
