Jersey's States Assembly will be asked once again to replace the Bailiff in parliament with an elected Speaker.

The suggestion has been before the House numerous times.

Now St John Constable Andy Jehan is forcing another vote, with backing from a 'cross section of members', suggesting politicians appoint a Speaker and Deputy Speaker in a year's time, when the current Bailiff Sir Tim Le Cocq retires.

"Despite our differing political perspectives on many issues, we have come together to seize this opportunity to advance the development our democratic system and establish the important principle of the Separation of Powers."

He says his successor should remain the island's Civic Head, but only preside over the States on Liberation Day and for Royal Visits.

The proposition suggests that selecting a Speaker and Deputy Speaker should be the first job for a newly constituted Assembly following a general election and that they should be picked in a similar way to the Chief Minister or Ministers.

The separation of powers between the legislature and judiciary has long been a contentious issue in Jersey, with successive reviews concluding it the presidency of the Assembly be given to an elected or appointed member.

It was a recommendation of the Clothier report, compiled almost 25 year ago and the 2010 Carswell review.

Constable Jehan's proposal says it is a 'fundamental democratic principle, which has yet to be achieved in Jersey whilst the office of Bailiff continues to head both the States of Jersey and the Royal Court'.

"Electing a dedicated Speaker for the States Assembly will enhance our democratic reputation and culture by creating a dedicated role to engage in public outreach and promotion of democracy in our community."

"By establishing a clear separation between the States Assembly and the Royal Court, there is a greater chance that conflicts of interest (whether perceived or actual) can be avoided.

"Be relieving the Bailiff of his duties in the States Assembly, the Island’s top lawyer will be able to dedicate their time and energy to their role as Chief Judge, where their expertise are more relied upon."

Housing Minister Sam Mezec says he will be supporting the motion:

"It is unusual that such a broad cross-section of States Members comes together in a show of positive unity like this, but we are all pleased to stand shoulder to shoulder to support taking Jersey’s democracy forward."

A further 15 States Members have so far given it their backing  The full 17 are:

Constable Andy Jehan

Deputy Kristina Moore

Deputy Jonathan Renouf
Constable Simon Crowcroft

Deputy Alex Curtis
Deputy Steve Ahier
Deputy Max Andrews

Deputy Sam Mézec
Deputy Tom Coles

Deputy Monty Tadier
Deputy Lyndsay Feltham
Deputy Catherine Curtis
Deputy Beatriz Porée
Deputy Geoff Southern
Deputy Rob Ward

Deputy Carina Alves

Deputy Raluca Kovacs

The proposal will be debated during the week of 10 December States sitting.