A formal complaint against Deputy Rod Bryans has been lodged and is under investigation by the independent Commissioner for Standards. The States Assembly website confirms that the complaint has been made, but gives no further details of the nature of the allegations.
The complaint, made on 24 January, is understood to have been discussed at ministerial level and with senior civil servants. Chief Minister Ian Gorst has not suspended the minister.
In a brief statement, Deputy Bryans said: ‘I am stepping aside as Education Minister with immediate effect while an investigation by the States Commissioner for Standards takes place.
‘I am not aware of the precise details of the complaint but am, of course, fully co-operating with the Commissioner and will continue to do so. I look forward to the investigation being resolved as quickly as possible.’
He added that he would not be making any further comment at this stage.
The Chief Minister has confirmed that Housing Minister Deputy Anne Pryke would take on the Education Minister’s role, but has refused to give any further comment.
Senator Ian Gorst said: ‘I would like to thank Deputy Pryke for taking on responsibility for Education in addition to the Housing portfolio. Deputy Pryke has been Assistant Education Minister since 2014 and has been fully involved in all the department’s major initiatives since then.’
He added that ministers would be making no further comment as the investigation was under way.
The section on the States website relating to ongoing complaints simply states that Deputy Bryans is being investigated under ‘paragraph five’ of the Members’ Code of Conduct – maintaining the integrity of the States.
Under States standing orders: ‘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.
‘Elected members should at all times treat other members of the States, officers, and members of the public with respect and courtesy and without malice, notwithstanding the disagreements on issues and policy which are a normal part of the political process.’
Originally a financial adviser, Deputy Bryans was first elected as a Deputy of St Helier District 2 in 2011, topping the poll in a seven-way fight for the three seats on offer.
Three years later, he was re-elected for a second term, once again topping the poll in the district.
And, just weeks after the 2014 election, Senator Gorst chose Deputy Bryans as his top pick to take the reins of the Education Department. The St Helier Deputy claimed the ministerial post after the States opted for him over Deputy Montfort Tadier.
Deputy Bryans was last night due to attend a conference in London on official States business in his role as Education Minister and was in the UK when he released his statement.
