Jersey's Deputy Chief Minister broke Code of Conduct with 'unacceptable' behaviour

Deputy Kirsten Morel has accepted the Commissioner's findings and agreed to apologise. Credit: ITV Channel

Jersey's second-most senior politician broke the States' Code of Conduct by behaving "unacceptably" towards another member.

Deputy Barbara Ward said Deputy Chief Minister Kirsten Morel made her feel "threatened" and invaded her personal space by approaching her at the end of a debate last February and being "verbally aggressive".

She added: "I thought he was going to hit me as he appeared so cross with me."

Commissioner for Standards, Dr Melissa McCullough, concluded that Mr Morel's actions towards Ms Ward "could reasonably be considered to have the effect of violating her dignity and creating an offensive environment, in line with the definition of unacceptable behaviour".

Mr Morel has accepted the Commissioner's findings and agreed to apologise to Ms Ward.

The complaint was lodged on 17 July 2023, following a vote of no-confidence debate in Deputy Geoff Southern as chair of the Health and Social Care Scrutiny panel in February.

Dr McCullough said Mr Morel breached Article Five of the Code of Conduct - which states that "elected members should conduct themselves in a manner which will tend to strengthen and maintain the public trust in the States of Jersey".

Ms Ward said: "That evening when at home (I live on my own so didn’t have anyone to speak to). I was really upset by this Deputy’s targeted unacceptable behaviour.

"I couldn't sleep, and it appears he wanted to target, bully and intimidate me personally."

In a written response earlier in the year, Deputy Morel explained: "I spoke factually, did not raise my voice, shout, make threats, use disparaging names, discriminatory language or use any body language that could be interpreted as aggressive or bullying."

At interview, he added: "I would never want them to be distressed afterwards and so, I would apologise for provoking that reaction in them, even though I know that that was not my intention.

"I stand by what I said, I wasn't bullying Deputy Ward. I was imparting what I understood to be fact about her behaviour. I didn't swear at her.

"I'm realising that I need to step back from that passion and that emotion and need to be more rational."

Jersey's Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, told ITV News that she has "full confidence" in Mr Morel and also values Ms Ward's "experience and informed contributions as a member of the State's Employment Board".

She added: "I am pleased this unfortunate matter has now been concluded."

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