Jersey minister Andy Jehan resigns over 'indefensible misuse of taxpayers' money'
In his first interview since resigning as an Assistant Chief Minister, Constable Andy Jehan explains his reasons for leaving and his views on Jersey's Health Minister
One of Jersey's Assistant Chief Minister Andy Jehan has resigned due to "severe concerns" over the Health Department and the "indefensible misuse of taxpayers' money".
In a damning two-page letter addressed to the island's Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, Constable Jehan says he was also "shocked and disappointed" with the appointment of Julie Garbutt as the fourth Non-Executive Director (NED) on the Advisory Health Board earlier this month.
Ms Garbutt had left the health service in 2018 with a £187,000 entitlement and £2 million state pension.
Constable Jehan adds he "deeply regrets" the decision to delay the debate on assisted dying and criticises Jersey's Health Minister, Deputy Karen Wilson, for being reluctant to publicly back any plans for the new hospital.
It means the States Employment Board has now lost its political and executive leadership after senior civil servant Mark Grimley officially left his position on Friday (24 November).
Mr Jehan will remain Constable of St John.
Constable Jehan believes there is a "lack of any coherent health strategy" and that he can no longer "defend the indefensible misuse of taxpayers money".
He wrote: "Spending in excess of £320,000 and still not having a full Health Advisory Board is simply unacceptable.
"Shortly after raising concerns over the cost of the Health Advisory Board, I was no longer invited to these updates."
Constable Jehan also criticises the way in which the Health Minister did not appoint an "excellent" candidate put forward by the Jersey Appointments Commission for the permanent position of Chair of the Health Advisory Board which is still unfilled.
The role is currently covered by Professor Hugo Mascie-Taylor who was announced on a year-long fixed contract last November.
Constable Jehan says there are proposals for this interim term to be extended.
He adds his decision to leave the Council of Ministers is not linked to the recent story where ITV News revealed that Jersey's government spent nearly £130,000 on employee award ceremonies over the last four years.
He explains he "stands by the decision to recognise the great work done by staff across government".
Jersey's Chief Minister has accepted the resignation with "great regret and sadness", adding that she shares concerns over the performance of the health service.
Deputy Moore said: "We have a collective determination to deliver the improvements that are necessary.
"I regret that we have arrived at a position where your resignation on this matter has been required."
She confirmed on X, formerly Twitter, that Deputy Elaine Millar will replace Constable Jehan as Vice-Chair of the States Employment Board.
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