Women in Public Life raises States bullying claims with standards commissioner

In last week’s States meeting, Adrian Gabriel described ‘table-thumping, aggression and machismo', and Lindsay de Sausmarez spoke of ‘overtly aggressive and abusive behaviour.’

WIPL said it has a duty of care to those it encourages to stand, and therefore it is important for the organisation and potential candidates to know whether the allegations are true, and if so, what is being done to rectify the situation.

‘We are deeply concerned by the allegations of bullying towards both deputies and civil servants made in the States on Friday,’ it said.

‘Women in Public Life specifically inspires and supports the women of Guernsey to stand for public office but our concern applies equally to male candidates and States members, and all civil servants.’

‘It appears that, by inspiring people to stand for the States, we may be encouraging them to take up employment in a workplace that could be detrimental to their wellbeing.’

Concerns are compounded by the number of deputies who seemed to accept and downplay poor behaviour.

Yesterday WIPL wrote to the Channel Islands Commissioner for Standards, Dr Melissa McCullough, to draw her attention to the debate.

Dr McCullough has the power to initiate an investigation.

‘It is important for Guernsey as a whole. Poor behaviour leads to poor decision making for the Bailiwick,’ said WIPL.

‘As we said at our event in June: "It doesn’t have to be this way".’