What a plonker! Jersey government minister drinks white wine during health panel meeting on Zoom – leaving locals asking ‘was he taking it seriously?’
- Scott Wickenden, 42, was in Health and Social Security panel meeting via Zoom
- During the video chat in Jersey, he was seen sipping a tall glass of white wine
- Jersey government minister said he poured glass as ‘meeting was wrapped up’
- He added he would not have drank alcohol in meeting held in the States Building
A Jersey government minister drunk white wine during a health panel meeting on Zoom – leaving locals asking whether he was ‘taking it seriously’.
Assistant chief minister Scott Wickenden, 42, was taking part in a virtual meeting of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel.
During the meeting, held via video in Jersey, Mr Wickenden could be seen sipping a tall glass of white wine.
The deputy for St Helier defended his actions, saying he poured the glass ‘as the meeting was wrapping up’.
Assistant chief minister Scott Wickenden, pictured, 42, was seen drinking wine during a virtual meeting of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel via Zoom
But footage appears to show he poured the glass earlier than he claimed, as he was also seen to raise the glass to his mouth one hour into the two-and-a-quarter hour meeting.
Mr Wickenden, who is one of several Assistant Chief Ministers, said: ‘It was right at the end of the hearing – I was not drinking throughout the whole hearing.
‘We were just wrapping up and I decided to pour myself a glass of wine. I am a 42-year-old man in my own home and I don’t see a problem with that.’
Mr Wickenden said that he would not have drank alcohol during a meeting held in the States Building.
He said: ‘I would not have done this in a normal hearing but these are not normal circumstances.’
One witness said: ‘If this scrutiny hearing had taken place in the usual building you can guarantee he wouldn’t have been drinking alcohol.
‘Ok, he was in his own home, but is it appropriate for an elected member to be drinking alcohol in a public meeting?
‘It makes you wonder how seriously he was taking it.’
According to ITV News, Jersey’s Chief Minister, John Le Fondre, said: ‘Deputy Wickenden has already offered his apology to me and realised that his conduct was unacceptable. I have accepted his apology. He has also apologised to the Scrutiny Panel.
‘I have spoken with Deputy Wickenden and will make a point of reminding Council of Ministers of the importance of maintaining the same level of standards, regardless of whether they are working in the office or from home.’
The government of Jersey is led by the Chief Minister, who picks the other ministers. All of them belong to the Council of Ministers, a decision-making committee.
The hearing, which members attended from their homes via video link, was held to discuss a range of issues with Social Security Minister Judy Martin.
Issues discussed included how government finances would be used to support those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Deputy Russell Labey, chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee which oversees States conduct, confirmed that no complaints had been received.
But he said that if there had been, the matter would have been referred to the Commissioner for Standards.
Politicians attending the meeting included panel chairman Deputy Mary Le Hegerat, vice-chairman Deputy Kevin Pamplin and panel members Carina Alves and Trevor Pointon.