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Deputy Andrew Lewis censured by the States

Deputy Andrew Lewis has been censured by the States, after breaking the Assembly's code of conduct.

It follows accusations he had lied to the States while he was Home Affairs Minister in 2008, and later to the Jersey Care Inquiry.

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Deputy Lewis resigns from Public Accounts Committee

Deputy Andrew Lewis (of St Helier) has resigned as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, after a vote of censure was passed in the States.

Twenty-nine members voted in favour of the vote of censure after the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry said Deputy Lewis had lied to the inquiry and to the States over comments regarding the suspension of a Police Chief in 2008.

He said he "emphatically denies" the allegations, but accepted the comments were "less than ideal".

The latest development follows the resignation of two Jersey politicians from the same committee, who said they 'no longer have confidence' in Deputy Lewis.

Constable Simon Crowcroft and Deputy Judy Martin gave notice of their resignation from the Public Accounts Committee to the Bailiff last month.

Deputy Lewis has formerly written to the Bailiff offering his resignation from the Public Accounts Committee.

In early July I stepped aside from the Public Accounts Committee, in order to maintain the integrity of the PAC and so that I could concentrate on co-operating with the Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC). I delegated the Chairman’s responsibilities and duties to the Vice-Chairman, so that the important work of the PAC could continue unhindered. I told my Committee that if the PPC found against me and the Vote of Censure was carried, I would resign my position as Chairman of the PAC.

Yesterday the Assembly spoke and the PPC’s Vote of Censure was carried. I therefore honour the promise made to my Committee and I have written to the Bailiff today offering my resignation as Chairman of the PAC.

– Deputy Andrew Lewis

Vote of censure against Deputy Andrew Lewis passed

The vote on whether to censure Deputy Andrew Lewis has been passed.

Members voted 29 in favour, 16 against the motion.

The Independent Jersey Care Inquiry found Deputy Lewis had lied to the inquiry and to the States over comments regarding the suspension of a Police Chief in 2008.

Earlier today, he said he "emphatically denies" the allegations, but accepted the comments were "less than ideal".

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Deputy 'disappointed' in inquiry findings

Credit: ITV Channel Television

A Jersey politician found to have broken the Code of Conduct for States Members says he's disappointed in the findings of the inquiry.

Deputy Andrew Lewis was under investigation after being accused of lying to the States in 2008 when he was Home Affairs Minister.

He says he will await the full report from the Privileges and Procedures Committee before commenting further.

He has always denied any wrong doing.

I am disappointed in the findings announced by PPC that I broke the Code of Conduct for Elected Members on matters that date back to 2008. I have not been advised of any detail as to why the PPC have adjudicated in this way.

I have no option open to me but to await the publication of the PPC report, which will be in several weeks time. Until such time I am unable to comment further.

– Deputy Andrew Lewis, Chairman Public Accounts Committee

Deputy Andrew Lewis: 'I acted with integrity and impartiality'

Deputy Andrew Lewis said he acted with "integrity and impartiality" when a Police Chief linked to the Inquiry into child abuse was suspended in 2008.

Deputy Lewis faces allegations that he lied to the States and the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry over the incident.

Today a hearing took place looking into whether he breached the States Code of Conduct.

In a statement, he apologised to "any elected members who felt mislead during the in-camera debate".

I thank the PPC for giving me the opportunity to present my case to them today. I do not believe that I breached the Code of Conduct for Elected Members and I hope PPC will find that to be the case.

While I had no intention to mislead the States on 2nd December 2008, I unequivocally apologise to any elected members who felt mislead during the in-camera debate, and I have since endeavoured to clarify the record.

My actions in 2008 were based entirely upon evidence placed before me.

I acted with integrity and impartiality remaining within the remit of the disciplinary code and the rule of law.

I exercised my judgement as a Minister after taking full and proper legal and HR advice from officers and with the full support of the then Chief Minster and the Council of Ministers.

– Deputy Andrew Lewis
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