Deputy tries to fast-track repeal of law

Thursday 26th February 2009, 2:59PM GMT.

DEPUTY Geoff Southern yesterday tried to bring forward a States debate to repeal the law he is awaiting sentence for breaking.

He and his Jersey Democratic Alliance colleague Deputy Shona Pitman face sentencing in the Royal Court for breaking the Public Elections (Jersey) Law by helping voters apply for postal votes. They will be committed to the higher court on 3 April.

In the States yesterday, Deputy Southern (pictured) tried to move the States debate on his rescindment proposition forward.

But Deputy Phil Rondel said that an early debate could be seen as an attempt by the States Chamber to influence the courts, and urged Members to reject the suggestion, which they did by 34 votes to 11.

Read the full story in the Jersey Evening Post. Click here for subscription details. Individual editions are also available online.