Funeral ‘ban’ for Welsh Labour boss

The leader of the Welsh government will not be attending the funeral of a minister who killed himself – after he was asked by the family not to go.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said he would have liked to attend today’s service for Carl Sargeant but respected the wishes of his wife and children.

Mr Sargeant, 49, hanged himself last month – four days after being sacked by Labour’s Mr Jones amid allegations by several women of inappropriate conduct. The Assembly Member for Alyn and Deeside was also suspended from the Labour Party.

Supporters of the father of two, who lived in an ex-council house close to where he grew up in Connah’s Quay, North Wales, say he spent three sleepless nights in turmoil after officials refused to reveal the exact nature of the allegations. They have accused Mr Jones of mishandling the situation and have called for his resignation.

Mr Sargeant’s family also said he was not given ‘natural justice’. Mr Jones insisted he had done everything ‘ by the book’ and ‘had no alternative’ but to sack him.

But following a public outcry Mr Jones launched an independent inquiry into his handling of the case. he is also facing a second investigation into a culture of bullying within the Welsh government.

Yesterday Mr Jones said: ‘Lisa [his wife] and I would have liked to attend the funeral on Friday to pay our respects to our friend. however, we of course respect the wishes of the family at this time, and would hope they can celebrate Carl’s life in peace and without distraction.’

Mourners have been asked by Mr Sargeant’s family to wear bright colours rather than black. his son Jack, 23, said: ‘We want people to wear something that makes them feel happy and to come and remember dad as he was – kind, generous, and the life and soul of the party.’