News

29 Councillors back Bryn’s bonanza

Published

11 years ago

October 16, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Cashing in: Bryn Parry Jones

THIS WEEKS Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to give readers unrivalled coverage of Thursday’s (Oct 16) unprecedented events at County Hall.

Our reporters were at County Hall all day covering debates that ranged from the future of our County to the future of the Council’s most senior employee.

The payroll vote of the IPPG ensured that the public were excluded from the debate on the terms of a pay-off proposed for controversial CEO Bryn Parry-Jones.

As we first revealed in an on-line exclusive on Wednesday, October 15, Councillors were today presented with the option of approving a settlement in excess of £320,000.

An impassioned debate took place inside the chamber after the public were excluded. At its end, we spoke with Council Leader Jamie Adams, who told us that he hoped the Council could now move on to face serious challenges over the next few months.

Result: How the councillors voted (Pic J Williams)

With 29 voting in favour and 23 voting against the settlement proposal, the Council divided again along partisan lines, with only Cllr Stan Hudson from the opposition benches supporting the IPPG.

The Herald understands that one sticking point in approving the deal was Bryn ParryJones’ assertion of a claim for breach of contract in relation to the Council’s refusal to continue to pay the ‘pay supplement’ ruled unlawful by the Wales Audit Office.

A proposal by unaffiliated councillor Mike Evans to amend the agreement was voted down.

Opposition parties are furious. Plaid Cymru has expressed its disappointment with the decision to pay off the Chief Executive. The Plaid group voted against the recommendation, and argued that the investigation currently being undertaken by the disciplinary committee should have been allowed to conclude its work.

In a statement, Plaid’s leader Cllr Michael Williams said: “The committee had earlier resolved to appoint an Independent person to continue the investigation, and no decision to pay off the CE should have been taken until this work had been completed. There are very serious matters, some of which are known, that should have been brought to a proper conclusion. By agreeing prematurely to this huge pay-off the people of Pembrokeshire will never know of the extent of the allegations of inappropriate behaviour which should have been properly investigated.”

He added: “Once again the IPPG Party which currently runs the County Council have let everyone down by block voting through this immoral agreement.”

Council Labour leader Paul Miller said: “I am pleased that for the first time the people of Pembrokeshire have forced the hand of this council’s ruling elite. They didn’t want to part company with the chief executive, the people forced them to and I’m delighted to see the signs of real democracy returning to Pembrokeshire. I would like to thank people for their support.

“That said, I am bitterly disappointed at the level of the settlement which is completely out of kilter with the lives of the people we represent (and which we are forbidden to report publicly). There was a disciplinary process underway and that process should have been allowed to reach a conclusion. In my view, if it had been allowed, the people of Pembrokeshire would not be so much poorer this afternoon.

“I will continue to fight for change here in Pembrokeshire but tonight, we must celebrate that Bryn Parry Jones will leave and that is solely down to the pressure put upon this administration by the people of Pembrokeshire.”

East Williamston Councillor, Jacob Williams, told The Herald: “As usual at County Hall, this has been a total stitch-up. The disciplinary investigation committee was all a front, witnesses were put under pressure and the process was a sham from beginning to end. I suspect that the leader, Cllr. Jamie Adams, supported the setting up of the disciplinary committee to facilitate behind-the-scenes negotiations enabling the highest pay-off possible to be pushed through the council chamber by his ruling party, the IPPG. This might be the end of Bryn Parry-Jones, but it is certainly not the end of this whole episode.

“IPPG councillors made sure yesterday’s debate was held behind closed doors, where it transpired that the offer on the table we were being asked to approve had been carved out with the chief executive two weeks ago, and crucially, it was agreed before the disciplinary committee had decided that the chief executive’s conduct should be referred for formal independent investigation.”

Cllr Williams added: “Following the decision to refer the chief executive’s conduct for an independent inquiry, his hand was seriously weakened, yet the deal remained unchanged, it wasn’t revised at all. This shows quite clearly to me that the negotiators – Cllr. Adams included – were looking out for Mr. Parry-Jones and what was best for him, and not what was best for taxpayers who will be paying for it.”

“Yesterday’s huge pay-off was about the best deal he could ever have been given, and there was no justification for it. The debate and advice given to councillors was extremely biased in favour of the chief executive’s position rather than the council’s, and the public are rightfully incensed. The councillors who supported this huge pay-off and whose actions stopped dead the possibility of getting any justice against Bryn Parry-Jones’s depraved conduct, should hang their heads in shame. It’s easy to play with other people’s money. If every councillor who voted to support this diamond-encrusted gold-plated deal gave up their councillor salary for a year, it would more than cover the pay-off. I suggest they should give this consideration.”

Delyth Evans, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for South Pembrokeshire, said: “It is hard to understand how a discredited public official could walk off with such a massive pay-off, when the Council refuses to agree even a 1% pay rise to its own poorly paid workforce. The rules for appointing and dismissing senior council officials need to be changed to ensure this scandalous situation can’t happen again, and I am writing to the Minister for Public Services in the Welsh Government, Leighton Andrews, to this effect. I hope we can now close the door on this unhappy period in the life of Pembrokeshire County Council. There needs to be a complete change of culture at the Council, with an end to secret meetings and deals done behind closed doors. I commend Councillor Paul Miller for his tireless efforts to expose the failings of the Chief Executive and the current Council leadership. We all need to keep up the pressure on the Cabinet and senior officials to start giving us a local authority the people of Pembrokeshire can be proud of.”

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5 Comments

Bilbo101

October 17, 2014 at 11:38 pm

has any one sussed whether the £300k is net or gross?i.e have the dumb councillors not realised they’re also paying Bryns tax in other words half a mill cost for PCC.

he’s still worth it – I LOVE his intelligynce and perspicoshityness
TheRealBilbo101

October 21, 2014 at 2:58 pm

The above comments attributed to Bilbo101 were not made by myself but by another person who thought it would be clever to sign up to this site using my username which I have used for a number of years on the WT website. The comment above has largely been copied from the WT site from the user Tttoommy’s comments, a user with whom I have frequently fallen out with over the poor quality and inaccuracies of their posts. As a certain number of people know who the real Bilbo101 is then by posting comments under that username is effectively stealing my identity and I would advise that person to be extremely careful what they write as we all leave an online trail of breadcrumbs and no matter how clever you think you are, there is always a way to legally identify and prosecute you should the need arise.
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News

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

Published

12 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister, MP, MS and teaching unions call for safety and support for staff

POLITICAL leaders and teaching unions across Wales have spoken out following Thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven School, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

***Police at Milford Haven School on May 5 (Pic: Herald)***

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

Teaching unions also responded.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

14 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

18 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.