Calls for deputy to quit over immigration offences

Philip Ozouf has been asked to step down, with some politicians saying it is "the right thing"

Politicians in Jersey have called for the resignation of Deputy Philip Ozouf after he admitted breaking island immigration laws.

The Royal Court heard Ozouf had arranged for people from Rwanda to work at his laundry business when they did not have the legal right to do so.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of assisting unlawful immigration and one count of attempting to assist unlawful immigration.

Constable Andy Jehan said he hoped Ozouf would "do the right thing" and step down. The BBC has approached Ozouf for a comment.

Code of conduct

Jehan said: "I've listened to public feedback over the weekend. There is a mixture of disappointment and anger amongst the public and I'm sure that's shared by many people."

The former minister was suspended in September for breaking the States Members' code of conduct.

The Privileges and Procedures Committee put forward the proposal after Ozouf was fined for speeding and not having a valid insurance disc, and for failing to attend three parish hall inquiries.

Deputy Malcolm Ferey, a member of Privileges and Procedures, which decided not to suspend Ozouf again, said: "I voted for the proposition to exclude him for 28 days without pay, which was ultimately adopted by the Assembly.

"I believe that this latest misdemeanour, which he has pleaded guilty to, has to be the time when the deputy realises that the best course of action now is for him to stand down.

"The saying 'all political careers end in tears' does not need to apply if a sitting politician is brave enough and has the self-awareness to recognise when it's time to call it a day".

Deputy Malcolm Ferey said "the best course of action now" is for Ozouf to stand down

A spokesperson from Reform Jersey said its primary concern was "for the wellbeing of those people affected".

"Every States member has a duty to uphold the law and the States Members' Code of Conduct on all occasions in accordance with the public trust placed in them," it said.

Deputy Tom Binet said he thought the situation was "a little more serious than it appears to be on the surface".

He said: "I think most people know that he's been through a horrendous time and that his world has been turned completely upside down.

"I just hope whatever happens in the final analysis, that gets taken into account."