News
Bryn allegations referred for formal inquiry as Adams negotiates possible pay-off.
County Hall: Bryn attended an investigatory meeting on October 6
⊗ CLLR JAMIE ADAMS NEGOTIATES POSSIBLE PAY-OFF DEAL FOR CEO BRYN PARRY-JONES
⊗ COMMITTEE VOTES NOT TO SUSPEND BRYN BUT HE HAS RELINQUISHED HIS DUTIES
⊗ ALLEGATIONS INTO EMBATTLED CEO HAVE BEEN REFERRED FOR FORMAL INQUIRY
THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD understands that Councillor Jamie Adams, the Leader of Pembrokshire County Council, has brokered a potential payoff deal for the authority’s embattled Chief Executive Officer Bryn Parry-Jones.
If approved by full council, the payoff proposal will put an end to the current disciplinary proceedings that are underway into allegations of the CEO’s misconduct and he will leave the council for good.
Members of the authority’s Disciplinary Investigatory Committee met at County Hall this afternoon to continue their deliberations over a number of allegations against Mr Parry-Jones, chief of which is the expletive laden tirade he launched against Councillors Peter Morgan and Mark Edwards, who gave evidence to that effect at a committee hearing last Monday.
The committee has no powers to decide if misconduct has taken place but is tasked with determining if there is sufficient evidence against Mr Parry-Jones’s conduct to warrant the matter’s referral to a statutory Designated Independent Person for a thorough inquiry.
This afternoon councillors were informed that a tentative settlement offer for the Chief Executive to leave his employment with the authority had been reached between the Council Leader Cllr Jamie Adams, the council’s lawyers, and representatives on behalf of Mr Parry-Jones.
In an interesting twist, the Herald understands Bryn Parry-Jones personally appeared before the politically balanced committee this afternoon to give a statement begging committee members not to suspend him.
The home-based CEO has made a pledge that to avoid being forced down the formal suspension route he would be happy to voluntarily hand over all of his duties and responsibilities to other officers instead.
During his short appearance Mr Parry-Jones refused to undergo questioning or to discuss or comment on any of the allegations that have been made against his conduct, claiming that he had not been given enough time to consider them.
Having previously adjourned previous attemps to suspend Mr Parry-Jones at earlier meetings, the Herald understands the Disciplinary Investigation Committee today took yet another vote to suspend the CEO which failed.
However the committee also took a vote to decide if there was sufficient evidence before them to refer the misconduct allegations to the Designated Independent Person for a full and thorough inquiry. This vote succeeded, and all matters relating to the misconduct investigation are now out of the committee’s hands.
Meanwhile, the sums of cash involved in the payoff deal arranged by Cllr Adams remains shrouded in mystery, but the settlement proposal will be added to the agenda of the next full council meeting on 16th October to be debated and possibly approved by councillors.
If councillors approve the payoff deal, Mr Parry-Jones will cease employment with the authority and the disciplinary process and the appointment of the Designated Independent Person to head the misconduct inquiry will come to an end.
If full council votes to refuse the payoff deal, the Disciplinary Investigation Committee will meet the following day (Friday 17th) to decide whether or not to suspend Mr Parry-Jones pending the full independent inquiry
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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Owen Llewellyn
October 6, 2014 at 9:33 pm
I am certainly one of the majority of people who will read this and object in the strongest terms to Bryn Parry Jones getting a single penny more form the people of Pembrokeshire. He’s a complete incompetent self serving waste of money and any more money lavished on him will just add insult to injury to the people of the county. PCC is an utter disgrace.
Grace
October 6, 2014 at 9:55 pm
This is disgusting…how is it fair that he may be able to avoid being brought to task AND get a big payoff if councillors vote to approve this deal, and yet he may have committed misconduct?
If he has committed misconduct, and I’m not saying if he has or he hasn’t, but if he has, then he needs to face the music. It shouldn’t be optional.
It’s clear that even from home, he still pulls the strings in that place!
Western Welsh
October 6, 2014 at 11:01 pm
How much does the CEO have to pay us off to be allowed to walk free?
Oh… we get to pay him off? Confused now. Pay him off for what?
Roy Mcgurn
October 7, 2014 at 6:28 am
The real problem with this deal is that Jamie Adams also avoids any scrutiny of his potential misdeeds that would come out in any comprehensive investigation into Bryn. Bryn is also likely to make relevations damaging to the leader. Best pay him off and keep the dirty washing out of sight.
The council need to have a vote of confidence in their leader BEFORE a vote on this. If the leader is voted down, a motion for a severance package can’t make sense.
Mind in the wacky world of Pembs CC, anything is possible!
woody
October 7, 2014 at 7:53 am
BJP should face the full force of the independent enquiry and should not receive a penny in pay off. But of course jamie Adams wouldnt want that as that could expose him as well. Both corrupt as hell and both should go.
Tomos
October 7, 2014 at 9:16 am
IF I understand correctly BPJ will get a huge golden goodbye (guess it will include a gagging clause) before the investigation into any impropriety?
In other words he’ll get another handout which he shouldn’t have and the council wont ask for that money back either?
Dave Edwards
October 7, 2014 at 9:51 am
BPJ,s contract stipulates 3 months notice or pay in lieu . Jamie should not negotiate on this so if BPJ wants to avoid public humiliation he should take and go.
Flashbang
October 7, 2014 at 11:38 am
Jamie Adams should be held personally responsible for paying back any money that goes to BPJ as there is no credible reason that he should get any money at all for his incompetence as a CEO. Anyone else would have been fired long ago.
John Hudson
October 7, 2014 at 1:25 pm
On 8 June 1995 The Appointments Sub-Committee of the Interim Pembrokeshire County Council in place before the present Council took “power” resolved that each candidate for the post of Chief Executive be required to make a twenty minute presentation to the full Council, followed by a question time.
The subject of the presentation –
What do you believe are the most important factors to be taken into account in the development of service delivery plans and what are your views on the most appropriate organisational and internal management structures necessary for the effective delivery of service to Pembrokeshire?
How would you ensure that your ideas are translated into policies and the policies are implemented?
Was this the birth of a Council run by officers with Councillors, with no collective policies running along behind with rubber stamp at the ready?
Ianto
October 7, 2014 at 1:29 pm
All we need now is for the grants scandal to disappear into the long grass and all will be well once again in IPPG land. I cannot believe a good number of the ruling group accept what is happening, are they all cowed by the same sort of pressure applied to Peter
Morgan?
John Hudson
October 8, 2014 at 12:26 pm
So no one is accountable or responsible for this mess.
The actions of senior officers are not to be held up to scrutiny or censure. The actions/ethics(!) of the ruling and supportive councillors are beyond reproach.
Do not worry though, the Council is judged to be improving. From such a low base, it could not get any worse, could it?
I wonder how many councillors have broken their Code of Conduct? Perhaps we should refer the lot to the Ombudsman.
Sue Thomas
October 8, 2014 at 1:46 pm
John Hudson – I referred the leader Cllr. Jamie Adams to the ombudsman 2 months ago. My complaint was regarding the comments he made in full council meeting recently (webcast) about my correspondence with Parry-Jones in 2005 with respect to the PCC employed paedophile Mik Smith, and my teams concerns about this man. In the council meeting Jamie Adams stressed strongly that my correspondence with the CEO \’ABSOLUTELY DID NOT\’ refer to concerns regarding Smith\’s behaviour around children. Adams refereed directly to my correspondence on the desk in front of him as he spoke and stated that the letters referred only to personal issues I had with Smith and that the CEO was unaware that this man was a danger to children until recently. As the comments Adams made were blatantly untrue (I have circulated the letters widely) I turned to the ombudsman to investigate the charge of bringing the role of councillor into disrepute. I thought it would at least go to investigation as I supplied the letters; a transcript of Adam\’s statements in council; and a link to the full webcast, along with further background information. Last week I received notification that the matter had been looked at (up to and including the ombudsman apparently) but it was felt that a full investigation was not warranted. I was informed that it was felt that Adams was a \’skilled politician\’ and that lying is apparently hard to prove – this despite all the evidence in written/webcast form. Not for the first time I felt that I was in some sort of twilight zone where normal responses/attitudes don\’t apply. There is no body beyond the ombudsman so that\’s where it ends. SO John, may be not worth anyone wasting their time going down the same road. Cllr. Adams – whilst you\’re at it with the CEO how about negotiating a financial package for me too. It occurs to me that some people in Pembrokeshire might rather a modest payout came my way for my sacking for refusing to work with Mik Smith back in 05/06 (and for refusing to shut up about it!). Can\’t afford to hire a barrister to help persuade you. Not even had an apology yet despite you stating that the council made very serious mistakes with my whistle blowing case in 2005. Also how about an apology for misrepresenting my letters to full council a few weeks ago. No …… I thought not. Least I know I was \’brung up right\’ – can\’t imagine how/where \’skilled politicians\’ (great euphemism that!) are nurtured. Any suggestions out there? Thanks for reading, Sue Thomas
Teifion
October 9, 2014 at 5:50 pm
Sorry to hear that SUe, I wish I could help.
You can at least sleep at night knowing that you have done the decent thing.
Not sure whether BPJ, Jamie, their families and all the IPG councillors who kept their heads below the parapet can say the same
Tomos
October 9, 2014 at 5:57 pm
BPJ is still full of IT isn’t he – I guess the SH is silent?
Would have been nice to see him begging though, It would give his many “victims” a little comfort – does anyone know If he’ll give up his responsibility for counting the votes in Wales ?
Morlais
October 14, 2014 at 10:19 am
I assume that as it’s alleged that BPJ has relinquished power any documents that have his signature /him making any decision will be illegal?
Not that illegal is all that important to PCC or Dyfed Powys Police where PCC is concerned