Minister sacked over ‘shock’ personal conduct allegations
CABINET Secretary for Communities and Children Carl Sargeant was sacked from the Welsh Government yesterday in the wake of allegations about his personal conduct.
The Alyn and Deeside Labour AM’s membership of the Labour party was suspended and First Minister Carwyn Jones staged a full-scale Cabinet reshuffle which saw former Plaid Cymru leader Lord Elis-Thomas enter the government.
There had been speculation Mr Sargeant, pictured left, would leave the government, but he sent shockwaves through Welsh politics by revealing online the background to his departure.
He said: “I met with the First Minister today and he informed me allegations had been made about my personal conduct, which was shocking and distressing to me. 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 with the First Minister that it was right that I stand aside from Cabinet today.” Mr Sargeant, who had been
responsible for equality issues, said he looked forward to “returning to Government” once his name was cleared.
A spokesman for Mr Jones said the First Minister had “removed him from the Cabinet” and asked “Welsh Labour to launch a full investigation”.
The nature of the allegations against Mr Sargeant have not been revealed. A spokeswoman for North Wales Police said the force was “not aware of any complaint” against him.
The UK Labour Party yesterday announced it would “appoint an independent specialist organisation to offer confidential advice and support to any individual affected by sexual harassment in the party”.
Mr Jones used the reshuffle to give recent arrivals in the Assembly a first rung on the ministerial ladder, and also said goodbye to a veteran of the 1999 intake.
Vale of Glamorgan AM Jane Hutt, who has been in government since the first days of the Assembly, has left the role of Leader of the House and Chief Whip and is going to the backbenches. She is replaced by Swansea West AM Julie James.
Former Plaid Cymru Presiding Officer Dafydd Elis-Thomas, who now sits as the independent AM for Dwyfor Meirionnydd and is a member of the Lords, enters the Welsh Government as Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport.
Former Welsh Liberal Democrat leader and Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams continues in her role as Cabinet Secretary for Education.
Pontypridd AM Mick Antoniw will no longer serve as Counsel General. He has been replaced by Neath AM Jeremy Miles.
The reshuffle also marks a return to full cabinet level for Alun Davies as Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services.
A string of recently-arrived AMs will take up ministerial posts.
Huw Irranca-Davies, who previously represented his Ogmore constituency in Westminster, is the new Minister for Children and Social Care.
Former MEP and Member of the Lords Eluned Morgan, who represents Mid and West Wales, is the Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning.
Delyn AM Hannah Blythyn takes on the role of Minister for Environment.
The First Minister said: “I am proud to announce my new ministerial team, which provides a balance of experience and stability, with new drive and energy. This strong team will drive forward our ambitious plans for Wales – focusing on growing the Welsh economy, creating jobs, supporting our public services and improving the day-to-day lives of the people of Wales.”
Plaid Cymru AM for Mid and West Wales Simon Thomas was unimpressed by the reshuffle.
In what appeared to be a barbed comment at Lord Elis-Thomas, he said: “There must be one or two Labour backbenchers wondering this eve why their loyalty has been ignored at the expense of another’s disloyalty.”
Welsh Conservative Assembly leader Andrew RT Davies said: “This is a very uninspiring re-shuffle, with some notable departures from the Cabinet. Jane Hutt deserves great respect for her contribution after 18 years of public service.
“The First Minister has missed an important opportunity to appoint a minister in charge of Brexit, something which Welsh Conservatives have previously called for, in the view that one man along cannot juggle the responsibilities of running a country with a constitutional challenge of such complexity and magnitude.
“New names and new faces count for very little – positive outcomes are all that matter to the people of Wales. We need a change in ideology, and it’ll take more than a swapping around of brass plaques on doors to
achieve this.”
Jen Thornton, chair of LGBT Labour Wales welcomed the promotions of Mr Miles and Ms Blythyn, saying: “I’m proud and thrilled that Hannah and Jeremy have joined the Welsh Government today.
“It was an honour to campaign alongside them both in the 2016 election when they made history becoming two of the first ever out LGBT Assembly Members. Since being elected they have worked hard to champion the issues that matter to LGBT people in Wales.
“It’s fantastic that they will now serve in the Welsh Government. They are both excellent role models and their promotions will further increase LGBT representation in senior levels of public life.”
Vale of Glamorgan AM Ms Hutt pledged to continue to serve her constituents with “dedication and commitment”, saying: “I am leaving the cabinet after 18 and a half years of ministerial office in health, social services, equalities, education, finance and finally as Leader of the House and Chief Whip. I have been very fortunate to be able to play my part in the founding years of the Assembly, helping to secure stability and confidence in a Welsh Labour Government throughout this time.
“Guided always by my principles and values of social justice and fair play, I have taken every opportunity to help shape policy to meet Welsh needs in the past two decades of devolution. You have to stick to your principles in politics and keep your feet on the ground, listening to the people you serve, especially those without a strong voice. That’s what I have always sought to do.”
The First Minister said: “Her unique approach and unrivalled ability to build bridges always brought stability through all the toughest periods of party politics in Cardiff Bay – she was always the one who could deliver a sensible compromise and find a way through difficult periods. She served in a number of roles with distinction and her dedication and her loyalty was always without question.”