Deputy Graham cautioned after email using "immoderate language"

Tuesday 03 September 2019

An email exchange between ESC Vice-President Richard Graham and two members of the public - the day after news broke of ESC President Matt Fallaize's controversial recruitment email - has landed the Deputy a caution under the Code of Conduct.

Two emails were exchanged between Brendan and Pamela Murphy, and Deputy Richard Graham on 28 July.

It was alleged that Deputy Graham used "immoderate language" in comments about a fellow Deputy and an unidentified former civil servant.

The complainants also believed that "Deputy Graham was dismissive of them and their concerns as he brought the communications with them to an end."

The States' Members Code of Conduct Panel found the Castel Deputy guilty of failing to treat other States members, civil servants and members of the public with respect and courtesy. However, the breach of conduct was considered to be of a minor nature and Deputy Graham was only issued with a caution. 

"Deputy Graham explained that [...] it was a difficult time and he did not want to get into a lengthy debate," the Panel said in its rule, "primarily as he was under legal advice not to comment on certain aspects of Mr and Mrs Murphy's questions."

"Deputy Graham regretted the use of language that enabled the individual Deputy to be identified. This was, he said, an oversight.

"Deputy Graham acknowledged that he would never had made comments with regard to the unidentified civil servant had the individual he had in mind remained employed by the civil service but such was not the case and that in fact an internal complaint had been raised regarding the conduct of the individual concerned."

Pictured top: Deputy Richard Graham.