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WQ.145/2023
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY M.R. SCOTT OF ST. BRELADE QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 3rd APRIL 2023 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON WEDNESDAY 12th APRIL 2023
Question
“With regard to the Cabinet Office, will the Chief Minister advise –
- what objections, if any, were raised bythe outgoing Chief Executive in respect ofthe proposals or structure of the Cabinet Office and its role;
- the criteria required by the Chief Minister for appointment of Ministers and Assistant Ministers connected to the Cabinet Office;
- what consideration, if any, has been given to a potential conflict of interest arising from the designation ofthe Treasurer of the States as Assistant Chief Executive inlightof Article 30 of the Public Finance (Jersey) Law 2019; and
- what measures, if any, she has undertaken or intends to undertake to address any negative public perception with respect to the composition of the Cabinet Office?”
Answer
- The Chief Executive made the proposals, consulted with senior officers and made a recommendation to the States Employment Board. Accordingly, no objections were raised by the Chief Executive.
- Ministers were appointed by the States Assembly on 11th July 2022. The appointment process for Ministers is set out in Part 6 of the Standing Orders of the States of Jersey. Assistant Ministers are appointed in accordance with Article 25 of the States of Jersey Law 2005.
- The Treasurer of the States remains able to fulfil hisdutiesas set out inthe Law, and this was considered as part of the Cabinet Office creation. Article 30 relates to the functions of the Minister. Article 34 relates to the independence of the Treasurer, and it is not considered that the designation of the Treasurer asan Assistant Chief Executive gives rise to any conflict in this respect.
- The establishment of the Cabinet Office was a recommendation of the Democratic and Accountability Sub-Committee in 2022 (R.23/2022). In my nomination speech tothe States Assembly for appointment to the role as Chief Minister-designate, the Cabinet Office was referenced as a priority for the first 100-days. The establishment ofthe Cabinet Office has been raised and discussed in public hearings with the Corporate Services Panel. There is not understood tobe any great swell of public opinion, negative or otherwise, in relation tothe Cabinet Office.