Deputy faces suspension from States Assembly

Deputy Philip Ozouf is facing another suspension from Jersey's States Assembly

Deputy Philip Ozouf is facing another suspension from Jersey's States Assembly after pleading guilty to breaking immigration law.

The Privileges and Procedures Committee, which upholds the conduct of States members, has lodged a proposition calling for him to be suspended until the current case has concluded.

Last month, the St Saviour deputy pleaded guilty to a number of counts of assisting or attempting to assist illegal immigration.

The charges are related to Rwandan nationals who Ozouf arranged to work in his laundry business, something they did not have the right to do.

The former deputy chief minister will not be sentenced by Jersey's Royal Court until next year, when he could be thrown out of the States if he is imprisoned for three months or more.

The privilege and procedures committee said the move to suspend him now was a neutral act until the end of the court case. If approved by politicians next month, Ozouf will be required to stop attending states' meetings but can still serve constituents and be paid.

The former minister had just returned to the states after he 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.

Ozouf was first elected to the States in November 1999 and has previously held roles including deputy chief minister, treasury and resources minister and external relations minister.