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Deputy Victoria Oliver has written an open letter in response to claims of a conflict of interest concerning her role as President of the Development and Planning Authority and the Leale's Yard planning application.
She has again denied any conflict of interest, alleged by Deputy Andy Taylor.
Dear All,
I can confirm, categorically and unequivocally, that I do not have, and never have had, any conflict of interest in relation to the Leale’s Yard planning application. In response to Deputy Taylor’s concerns about this, I confirmed with the applicant that they were not involved with the person who proposed me in 2020 and that that person had no connection with the application. I also took legal advice from St James Chambers which confirmed on the facts that I had no conflict of interest that would have prevented me from participating in the Open Planning Meeting for Leale’s Yard. On this basis I proceeded to take part in that meeting.
Regarding meetings with the applicant, I met them once at their request at Sir Charles Frossard House when I confirmed to them that an Open Planning Meeting for the application was required. I was accompanied by a Senior Officer and notes of the meeting were made in the normal way. There was no reason to specifically appraise Deputy Taylor of this meeting which was routine to the work of the President for the D&PA. I also attended a meeting where the applicant was also present, along with numerous other States’ Deputies and Senior Officers. The Leale’s Yard application was not the subject of that meeting.
On becoming aware of the potential legal threat to Deputy Taylor’s business and the possible connection of this to the Leale’s Yard application, I discussed the matter with Officers who took legal advice from St James Chambers concerning Deputy Taylor’s position in relation to the application. Unfortunately, an exchange in conversation with Officers concerning this was overheard by a political colleague who then raised it with Deputy Taylor before it was discussed with him. I have apologised to Deputy Taylor for this in committee. The other matters surrounding any legal processes concerning his personal business are not known to me.
I am disappointed and saddened that Deputy Taylor has chosen to raise this matter in the way that he has and I entirely refute his suggestion that I have, or had, any conflict of interest. As Deputy Taylor has now withdrawn his resignation, as a professional person, I hope these matters can be put behind us and that we can continue to work constructively together in delivering the often challenging mandate of the D&PA.
Kind Regards
Victoria Oliver
