‘SEX PROBE MINISTER IN SUICIDE’
Sargeant dies after axe over women’s claims
A MINISTER sacked over claims about his personal conduct around women was found dead yesterday as the sexual harassment scandal rocking politics deepened.
Labour’s Carl Sargeant was thought to have taken his own life four days after he was fired from the Welsh Assembly’s Cabinet.
On Friday the Communities and Children’s Secretary had vowed to clear his name.
But police were called to his home yesterday morning where they found his body. They are not treating his death as suspicious.
Family, friends and colleagues last night paid tribute to the 49-year-old, who was elected in 2003 after working in chemical manufacturing.
His wife of 25 years Bernie, 48, and children, Lucy, 26, and 23-year-old Jack, spoke of their “shock and grief ” in a statement.
They added: “He wasn’t simply a part of our family, he was the glue that bound us together. He was the heart of our family. We loved him so very much. We are devastated beyond words and we know our grief will be shared by all those who knew and loved him.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn described the tragedy as “terrible and deeply shocking”. He said: “My thoughts and profound sympathy are with Carl’s family, friends and colleagues. All allegations must be examined and must be pursued but there also has to be great pastoral care and support given to everybody involved.” Theresa May, who last night held talks with parliamentary workers on how to report sexual harassment, tweeted: “My thoughts are with the friends and family of Carl Sargeant.”
Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones, who fired Mr Sargeant last week over the claims, told of his “shock and deep sadness” at his death. He said: “Carl was a friend as well as a colleague. He fought tirelessly for those he represented.” Mr Sargeant’s friend Brian Higgins added: “Whatever he has done, he did not deserve this. It is very sad.”
The death comes two days after former Welsh government adviser Cathy Owens claimed women there had faced harassment for years. Mr Sargeant, who had lived at Connah’s Quay in North Wales all his life, had been reported over a “number of incidents” and an investigation was launched. Mr Jones said his staff “spoke to the women involved” before the sacking. Mr Sargeant said on Friday: “The First Minister informed me allegations had been made about my personal conduct, which was shocking and distressing.
“The details of the allegations have yet to be disclosed to me.
“I have written to the general secretary of Welsh Labour requesting an urgent independent investigation into these allegations in order to allow me to clear my name. Given the nature of the allegations, I agreed it was right that I stand aside from Cabinet today.
“I look forward to returning to government once my name has been cleared.”
The Assembly’s planned sitting yesterday was scrapped as a mark of respect to Mr Sargeant and his family.