SENIOR deputies walked out the States in disgust yesterday as Rhoderick Matthew’s campaign against zero-10 came crashing down. There are accusations that he has exaggerated the number of people backing his unsuccessful move to delay the tax strategy.

Members want proof, but Deputy Matthews has refused to hand over forms he received from the public to Treasury minister Lyndon Trott.

‘There appears to be a widely held view in the States, a view I don’t share, that Deputy Matthews has significantly exaggerated the numbers of people who he has stated contacted him in written form,’ said Deputy Trott.

‘My point is simple, I have offered, on behalf of my department, to contact these people in order to provide them with a comprehensive briefing together with a question and answer opportunity of all the key team including myself.’

That was not possible unless the information was handed over, he added.

‘Until it is, a view will remain in most quarters that Deputy Matthews has not been completely honest with the States.’

About seven members walked out before the end of Deputy Matthew’s speech yesterday. Outside the chamber, some expressed exasperation with his behaviour.

It was before 12.30pm – the official time for the lunch break. Deputy Trott was one who left early but later claimed it was for a pre-arranged interview.

But he hit back at comments by Deputy Matthews.

‘To describe Treasury and Resources as incompetent is totally offensive to my professional dedicated and hardworking staff. It’s also offensive to the rest of the members of Treasury who are also totally committed,’ he said.

‘Personal insults towards me are part and parcel of being Treasury Minister at a time of unprecedented yet absolutely necessary economic and taxation reform. My regret is that some politicians cannot distinguish between policy and personality.’

Deputy Matthews said it was contemptible that other members of the House had got up and left the chamber before the session had been called to an official break.

‘I was making points about what was considered to be an important issue concerning the private correspondence I had received. I was responding to their questions.’

He added: ‘Deputy Trott may not like to see some of the comments, but I am quite willing to have someone independent and trustworthy to study the replies.’

Deputy Dave Jones also walked out early, but said it was to get to an appointment.

He was, though, angry with Deputy Matthew’s stance in debate saying it was ‘unfortunate to say the least’ that he would not hand over the evidence.

‘If he doesn’t want to hand it over to States members, the Treasury minister, perhaps he’s prepared to hand it over to the Deputy Bailiff or the editor of the Guernsey Press, or the manager of Radio Guernsey, Island FM or Channel TV, or some other independent scrutiniser,’ said Deputy Jones.

After lunch in debate, Father of the House Dan Le Cheminant described the earlier behaviour as totally unacceptable.

‘It’s fine to be able to talk in debate – I wouldn’t want to stop anyone talking – but it’s quite wrong to make personal attacks in any way.’

It was all part of a torrid two days for Deputy Matthews. On Wednesday he apologised to Deputy Trott and Stuart Falla for comments he made in an email sent out to all States members and the Guernsey Press – but stopped short of doing the same by name for Deputies Bernard Flouquet and Laurie Morgan.

Afterwards, Chief Minister Mike Torode said the apologies had not gone far enough, leaving the door open for disciplinary action.