Bailiff change may affect UK link

Sir Phillip Bailhache is Bailiff of Jersey

Jersey's position as a Crown Dependency could change if the role of the bailiff was changed, it has been claimed.

Deputy Shona Pitman believes having the bailiff as president of the States and the Royal Court is undemocratic and proposed a debate last September.

But the Privileges and Procedures Committee want to delay the debate.

It said it was not appropriate for such a far-reaching decision for the island to be made on the basis of such a brief report and proposition.

Ms Pitman would like to see the positions of bailiff and deputy bailiff removed from the States and replaced with elected speakers by 2011.

Crown 'possession'

But the PPC wants to see a detailed review of the bailiff's role and a report into the practical consequences of change.

It said any such action would effectively abolish the position of the bailiff and could affect the island's constitutional position as a 'bailiwick' and a Crown Dependency.

As a dependency, Jersey does not form part of the UK or the European Union. It is a part of the British-Irish Council.

Jersey is administered independently, but is a "possession" of the Crown and not a sovereign nation.

Appointed by the Crown, the bailiff is the president of Jersey's government and acts as the speaker in the House.

He has no political power, but does have the casting vote in the event of a tied ballot.

The bailiff also presides over the Royal Court.

The island's current bailiff is Sir Phillip Bailhache.