HSC avoids no confidence vote

A small number of deputies had been discussing taking a proposal to the States to remove Deputy Brouard’s committee, but the idea has been scrapped.

Deputy Neil Inder publicly revealed the discussions in yesterday’s States meeting and was critical of them. He said the motion was ‘an open secret’.

‘We all know it’s there. We do know one member, possibly two members, have been approaching people about a potential vote of no confidence in the committee. That is a statement of fact,’ he said.

Several sources claimed that Deputy Yvonne Burford had been involved.

‘I had private discussions with a few colleagues a while ago as to how health services could be made more sustainable and all possible options were explored in those discussions,’ said Deputy Burford, soon after Deputy Inder’s speech. But she added that her concerns had eased and she would not pursue the matter further.

‘While I have had concerns about the unsustainability of rising health and care costs, I have no intention of either bringing or signing any motion of no confidence,’ she said.

Education president Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen also scotched rumours that she was involved. She strongly denied having instigated any moves for a no confidence motion.

HSC president Al Brouard confirmed that he had become aware of the rumours some weeks ago.

‘As far as I’m concerned, they are going nowhere,’ said Deputy Brouard. ‘We’ve got a very good committee. We’re doing a difficult job.

‘If someone wants to bring such a motion then they will and we’ll deal with it as appropriate, but considering the issues we face and the success we’re having at the moment I think we’re doing a pretty good job.’

Former HSC president Heidi Soulsby also denied any involvement in attempting to unseat the committee.

‘I can say on the record that I’ve had no discussions or even considered any motion of no confidence against HSC,’ said Deputy Soulsby.

‘I’ve got confidence in that committee and indeed I am looking forward to working with the president over the next few weeks.’

It was confirmed yesterday that she will be working with HSC to find ways to make services more sustainable.

Deputy Inder was pleased to hear Deputy Soulsby’s assurances and said he hoped the matter had been ‘put to bed’.