A PROPOSAL aimed at ensuring that politicians have the right to speak out freely in ministerial government was defeated in the States this morning.

Members voted by 25 to 20 against the proposal from Senator Stuart Syvret – who had claimed that it would be the only way to ensure that ministers have the right to speak out against the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers.

But his proposed amendment to the States of Jersey Law was described as ‘superfluous’ by opponents, including Senator Frank Walker.

The Senator added that there was nothing in the law which gave the Chief Minister the right to stop ministers bringing a projet to the States or speaking out about concerns at scrutiny panel hearings.

Putting his case, Senator Syvret said that his amendment was the only way to ensure that independent politicians remained independent and prevent a slide into party politics.

He said that ministers would be gagged and even forced out of office if they disagreed with the Chief Minister.