Ministers' messages reveal extent of fractured working relationship within government
ITV Channel's Hannah Ludlow reports...
Jersey's government has released a series of messages revealing the extent of the clash between the island's Chief Minister and the Infrastructure Minister "in the interest of transparency".
The documents, which were released to Scrutiny and the media last night (20 April), reveal how Deputy Tom Binet told Deputy Kristina Moore her behaviour left him feeling "extremely stressed" to the point he had to cancel his other meetings for the rest of the day.
The Infrastructure Minister added that "instead of catching up on work over the weekend, [his] state of mind was such he felt unable to function constructively".
Deputy Binet said: "Perhaps more important than my own wellbeing, is that of the extensive team" of civil servants within Jersey's government.
He wrote: "Whilst you may not always be content with their performance, I feel that they deserve to be treated with the same respect as we would hope to receive from them. Sadly, this courtesy was not apparent" at a meeting of the 'Our Hospital Political Oversight Group' on Wednesday 28 September 2022.
Deputy Moore replied by saying she shared the Infrastructure Minister's regret that he felt it necessary to write such an email to her.
The Chief Minister said: "It is inevitable that, from time to time, we will have disagreements on policy matters and in how we are seeking to achieve our collective objectives.
"I am sure you recognise that my role is to set the strategic direction for the Council of Ministers and the whole organisation, and to that end, I will always seek to provide my views, as constructively as I can, on matters of importance to islanders and our public services."
She added that the public expected her government to provide "a greater level of openness and far greater communication than [their] predecessors".
Government notes kept by the Chief Minister's Office say several months went by while diaries were organised to try and arrange a meeting between Deputies Moore and Binet, with Friday 31 March the earliest convenient date for them both.
The notes claim that around 5pm on Wednesday 29 March 2023, Deputy Moore was in her office at Broad Street while Deputy Binet was working in the open plan office next door to it.
The notes claim the Chief Minister left her office and invited the Infrastructure Office in for a chat:
The notes conclude by stating Deputy Moore felt the exchange was "tense throughout" and that Deputy Binet had "acted in an aggressive manner, both in language and actions" while the Chief Minister "remained calm throughout".
Two weeks after that meeting, on Thursday 13 April, Deputy Moore wrote to the Infrastructure Minister - who by now had publicly stated he wished to remain a part of the Council of Ministers after "taking time to consider his position".
The Chief Minister told him she has "no desire" for Deputy Binet to resign, but that there is "much to do in [his department]" and she wanted to have a "normal, working relationship" with him, as she does other ministers.
Deputy Moore wrote: "As ministers, we all need to work in a collegiate atmosphere of mutual courtesy, professionalism and respect as set out in our agreed Ministerial Code of Conduct."
"This also sets out the expectation that there will be a ‘no surprises’ approach to communication" referencing recent media statements made by Deputy Binet to the media:
"Events since [Monday 27 March] have unfortunately caused difficulties. To avoid the risk of our communicating through the media, I have refrained from responding to their requests in recent days following comments you have made to them."
Deputy Binet speaking to ITV News on Wednesday 19 March
The Chief Minister had invited Deputy Binet to meet with her before this week's States sitting. It has not been confirmed whether that meeting took place.
In her letter, Deputy Moore said while she hoped Deputy Binet would come back around the table, she indicated things cannot go on as they have done:
"I trust you will understand that, as Chief Minister, I cannot allow a situation to continue where disagreements linger and distract us from the task of delivering on the plans that we have a democratic mandate to deliver.
"This ongoing situation risks that scenario arising. I am sorry that you previously expressed opinions about my leadership and, whilst you are free to hold those views, a working relationship and respect needs to be in place for the office and role of Chief Minister, and those of all fellow ministers."
On Thursday 20 April, the Chief Minister sent the documents outlining her strained working relationship with Deputy Binet to the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel - which has previously asked her to provide records of concerns raised by ministers or civil servants about poor behaviour.
A government spokesperson said they were also released to the media "in the interest of transparency".
Deputy Moore said: "Following this week's States sitting, during which this correspondence was referenced, I think it is appropriate that it is published.
"Whilst it is not normal practice, I am also content to publish a note of a recent meeting between the Minister and I, which demonstrates the efforts made to resolve disagreements between us."
She described it as "a difficult meeting" - which left her feeling "very unsettled."
The Chief Minister also revealed that despite previously saying "no formal grievances [had been raised]" regarding poor behaviour, two complaints about ministers' conduct had been raised.
"For openness and transparency... an anonymous allegation of one minister's conduct has previously been made.
"In line with the normal internal processes, an internal review found the allegations to be speculative and not factually correct or substantiated."
Deputy Moore confirmed another, unconnected, complaint against ministerial behaviour was still being dealt with:
"Another process on a separate matter is expected to be resolved through mediation, in line with the objectives of seeking informal resolution."
The exact nature of the complaint being made - including which minister or ministers - are involved, has not been disclosed.
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