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The deputy at the heart of a social media scandal for sending offensive tweets about 'non-locals' under a pseudonym is set to file his appeal against a disciplinary body's investigation in the coming days.
The Code of Conduct Panel found first-time deputy Chris Le Tissier guilty of breaching seven sections of the rules governing States members' behaviour.
In an unprecedented move, the Panel exercised its full sanctioning powers, recommending that the States kick the deputy out of the Assembly. However, Deputy Le Tissier has no intention of leaving office without a fight, signalling four weeks ago that he would be seeking legal advice ahead of a proposed appeal.
Pictured: The motion to expel Deputy Le Tissier from the States of Guernsey is one of five disciplinary actions available to the Code of Conduct.
Numerous problems have emerged since the investigation, including the premature distribution and publication of the report recommending Deputy Le Tissier's dismissal and the absence of any timeframe in which the deputy must act on his stated intention to appeal.
At the start of the month, Deputy Le Tissier told Express he had submitted a Subject Access Request to the Conduct Panel.
Having self-referred to the Panel - in addition to seven separate complaints from members of the public - Deputy Le Tissier then took the view that the outcome amounted to a "disproportionate and draconian penalty" for the tweets he made as 'The Pirate', which were exposed by Express last month.
Pictured: Some of the tweets Deputy Le Tissier made under a pseudonym. He admitted that he was 'The Pirate' after Express uncovered links between various social media accounts.
Speaking yesterday evening, the suspended Guernsey Party member said there was a process that had to be followed.
"The appeal will be filed this week," he said. "Of course I want this resolved quickly but these things take time, as I'm sure you will appreciate."
Meanwhile, the President of the States' Assembly & Constitution Committee - which had to destroy its copies of the report - says the matter should not hang over the States any longer than necessary.
"In practical terms I think it is in everyone’s best interests that this is resolved sooner rather than later," said Deputy Carl Meerveld. "I am sure Deputy Le Tissier will be able to proceed expeditiously."
Pictured: A now-deleted youtube video contains a surreal depiction of the USA bombing Guernsey to a distorted rendition of 'Sarnia Cherie' on Liberation Day 2015.
The sections which the Investigation Panel found that Deputy Le Tissier had breached are as follows:
Section 3:
The primary duty of Members is to act in the public interest and to represent the interests of those who they have been elected to serve conscientiously. In so doing Members have a duty on all occasions to act in accordance with their oaths, and in accordance with the public trust placed in them.
Section 6:
Members shall observe the following general principles of conduct for holders of public office –
Selflessness
Integrity
Objectivity
Accountability
Openness
Honesty
Members shall take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They shall not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family or friends, their business associates or any voluntary or charitable organisation with which they are involved.
Members shall not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, Members shall make choices on merit, and at no time improperly discriminate against or afford undue preferential treatment to any group or individual.
Members are accountable for their decisions and actions to the States and the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Members shall be as open as possible about all decisions and actions that they take and must not knowingly deceive or mislead. They shall give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest, or statutory provision, clearly demand.
Members have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership Members shall promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
Section 7:
Members shall base their conduct on a consideration of the public interest, avoid conflict between personal interest and the public interest and resolve any conflict between the two, at once, and in favour of the public interest. After leaving their official positions, they will not take improper advantage of their previous office.
Section 8:
Members shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner which will tend to maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of the States of Deliberation and never undertake any action which would bring the States, or its Members generally, into disrepute.
Section 9:
Members shall at all times treat other Members, civil servants and members of the public with respect and courtesy and without malice, notwithstanding the disagreements on issues and policy which are a normal part of the political process.
Section 11:
Members shall act in good conscience and exercise the privileges and discharge the duties of public office diligently and with civility, dignity, care and honour.
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