News
Calls for Bryn to resign over council paedophile scandal
THERE are fresh calls today (Tuesday, July 15) for Wales’ highest paid council chief, Bryn Parry Jones, to resign. This time there is mounting pressure on him over the way Pembrokeshire County Council dealt with allegations about a former senior council youth worker who went on to be jailed for six years for sexually abusing a child.
And as a result of a BBC Wales Week In Week Out investigation into the case, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales says he wants to re-open the case files at the Council to discover whether children were left at risk. Children’s Commissioner Keith Towler told the BBC:
‘I’ll take look at it because I think what you’re raising there are very serious allegations. That probably needs an independent look. In terms of my responsibility as Children’s Commissioner, if I take the view that things happened to children in the past could help to improve the lives of children today then I certainly have got the powers of remit to take look at it.’
In 2005 a whistle-blower warned bosses that Mik Smith was behaving inappropriately with children and could pose as a risk – but Smith, from Haverfordwest, was given a verbal warning.
This month paedophile Smith was jailed for six years for sexually abusing an eight-year-old boy.
The offences happened after he’d been sacked. Whistle-blower Sue Thomas – who originally warned bosses about Smith’s inappropriate behaviour – thinks that the Council made a serious mistake when they gave Mik Smith a verbal warning in 2005:
‘I still can’t get my head round it because there were so many good hard-working professional people that came forward with complaints – I cannot understand why we were not listened to.
I can’t comprehend what type of person in management wouldn’t listen to it and wouldn’t be concerned and wouldn’t want to deal with it – I’m lost for words.’
Further complaints were made about Smith in 2009 and 2011, and he was eventually sacked in 2012 after a re-investigation was ordered by the Welsh Government.
Mik Smith’s recent court case has prompted questions about whether the Council should have sacked Smith sooner and whether it did enough to protect children who he came into contact with.
The Council’s Chief Executive Bryn Parry-Jones said that there were significant failings in the disciplinary standards used to handle the case. The Council says that its investigation at the time revealed no evidence of criminal activity, but it regretted that there were significant failings in the disciplinary standards in its education directorate in 2005 when allegations were made about Smith.
Joyce Watson AM says this is the latest in a series of failures by the Council to properly protect vulnerable children. She wants Bryn Parry Jones – who earns more than the £228,000 a year – to step down. She told The Heralds:
‘I think it’s time for him to go and I’m not shy of saying that – he has been the permanency in all of the negative reports that have been there and there have been a number of them. You cannot be the highest paid Chief Executive in Wales because you are worth that money, and reside over failure. Repeated failure.’
The programme has spoken to an independent social worker who investigated the allegations against Mik Smith on behalf of the Council in 2005. The social worker told the BBC that she was “surprised” that Smith had been dealt with by way of a verbal warning at the time.
Bryn Parry Jones said that the council’s investigation at the time revealed no evidence of criminal activity and that since that time the Council has completely changed its procedures and management of the Education department and is confident that past failings would not be repeated now. The Council also said that no manager from the former Education directorate involved in the decision-making in 2005 is currently employed by the Authority.”
News
Debate over 20mph speed limit continues in Pembrokeshire

CONCERNS over road safety and public backlash have led Wrexham Council to take a cautious approach to increasing speed limits on dozens of roads—but will Pembrokeshire follow suit?
Following widespread opposition to the Welsh Government’s blanket 20mph policy, councils across Wales, including Pembrokeshire, have been reviewing the limits. In Wrexham, a public consultation revealed overwhelming support for restoring 30mph limits on 52 roads, but councillors are proceeding with caution, citing safety concerns.
Pembrokeshire residents voice frustration
While Wrexham moves toward changes, Pembrokeshire County Council has yet to announce a firm decision on altering its 20mph zones, despite strong opposition in key areas such as Johnston, Haverfordwest, and Milford Haven.
A public consultation in Pembrokeshire allowed residents to request changes up until October 2024, and many raised concerns about longer journey times, impact on businesses, and emergency response delays. A petition was even submitted calling for the A4076 in Johnston to be exempt from the lower limit, arguing that the road is a major route with suitable pedestrian infrastructure.
One local business owner in Haverfordwest told The Herald: “It’s just not practical on some of these roads. We need sensible speed limits, not a blanket approach.”

Government admits mistakes
The Welsh Government introduced the 20mph speed limit in September 2023, claiming it would reduce accidents and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Initial data suggests there were 100 fewer deaths or serious injuries on affected roads.
However, in December 2024, government officials admitted that mistakes had been made in rolling out the policy, following widespread backlash across Wales. Pembrokeshire councillors, including Paul Miller, cabinet member for economy and transport, have acknowledged public frustration but stress the need to balance safety with practicality.
Will Pembrokeshire follow Wrexham’s lead?
In Wrexham, Councillor Dave Bithell has urged caution, warning that increasing speed limits could heighten accident risks. Wrexham aims to finalize its review by May, working alongside North Wales Police to manage any changes.
With strong opposition from some Pembrokeshire communities, it remains to be seen whether the county council will reverse course on certain roads or maintain the lower speed limits.
The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has acknowledged that while some communities back the 20mph policy, others remain strongly against it. The question now is whether Pembrokeshire’s roads will see similar changes to those being considered in Wrexham.
Should Pembrokeshire reconsider its 20mph limits? The Herald wants to hear your views.
Education
Excluding pupils for knives ‘too simple’, says Estyn chief

A SCHOOL should understand why a pupil brings a knife in rather than relying on blanket exclusions, the chief inspector of Welsh education watchdog Estyn has said.
Owen Evans said the “easy answer” was to exclude pupils, but insisted the issue needed a more nuanced approach.
He argued there were multiple reasons why a child might bring a weapon to school and that a one-size-fits-all policy would not work.
However, Neil Butler, national officer for Wales at the NASUWT union, called the suggestion “most unhelpful” and said immediate exclusions should be the priority to protect pupils and staff.
School attack in Ammanford
Mr Evans’ comments follow the conviction of a 14-year-old girl for the attempted murder of three people during a stabbing at a school in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

“You may have a child that has every potential for redemption but they have fallen into bad practice, and we cannot exclude those people from society,” he told the BBC’s Walescast.
“A lot of children who bring knives to school feel threatened themselves or believe others are carrying weapons.
“We need to tackle the root causes behind these decisions,” he added.
While knife crime in Welsh schools is rare, Mr Evans said lessons needed to be learned.
Bridgend council has announced an inquiry after police were called to Bryntirion Comprehensive last week when a knife was reportedly found in a pupil’s bag.
Union backs tough action
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Mr Butler acknowledged the importance of understanding why children bring weapons to school but said the approach could not be “nuanced”.
He described Mr Evans’ concerns about exclusion pushing pupils out of society as “nonsense” and insisted that removing offenders from schools was necessary for safety.
“If a child who has carried a knife into school remains there while psychologists assess them, they continue to pose a danger to others,” he said.
“Exclusion doesn’t mean the end of education—it means education in a more suitable setting outside of mainstream schools.”
He added: “We must be clear: carrying a knife has consequences. That means immediate exclusion.
“It’s as simple as that—we have to nip this in the bud before it escalates further.”
Rising behavioural issues
Estyn is preparing to release its annual report on the state of education and training in Wales, with concerns over increasing behavioural problems.
Mr Evans said: “Since the pandemic, we are seeing young children coming into school unable to communicate or even potty trained.”
He called for more support for pupils and teachers but acknowledged a lack of resources.
“Strong leadership, clear and consistently applied behaviour policies, and good family support can make a real difference,” he said.
Wales’ Education Secretary, Lynne Neagle, has announced a behavioural summit next year to tackle the “complex” issues facing schools.
News
Former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas dies aged 78

Tributes pour in for ‘Senedd’s founding father’
FORMER Plaid Cymru leader and Senedd Presiding Officer Lord Elis-Thomas has died at the age of 78, his family has announced.
Dafydd Elis-Thomas led Plaid Cymru between 1984 and 1991 and served as MP for Meirionydd and later Meirionydd Nant Conwy from 1974 until 1992, when he was appointed to the House of Lords.
He made history in 1999 as the first Presiding Officer of the newly established Welsh Assembly, now the Senedd, a role in which he helped shape Wales’ modern political landscape. Flags will fly at half-mast outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay as a mark of respect.
A POLITICAL MAVERICK
Known for his independent streak, Lord Elis-Thomas often clashed with Plaid Cymru’s leadership and left the party in 2016. He later served as a minister in both Carwyn Jones and Mark Drakeford’s Welsh Labour governments, despite remaining unaffiliated with the party.
He stepped away from frontline politics in 2021, retiring after decades of service to Welsh public life.
A FAMILY’S LOSS
In a statement, his family said he died “peacefully at his home” on Friday morning after a short illness. “The family request privacy at this difficult time.”
POLITICAL TRIBUTES
First Minister Eluned Morgan led tributes, calling Lord Elis-Thomas “one of Wales’ greatest political figures.”
“Dafydd was a true giant of Welsh politics and a passionate champion of our nation, our language, and our culture,” she said.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth described his passing as “a huge loss to Welsh politics and civic life.”
“Dafydd made a priceless contribution in laying the foundations of devolution. He was a ground-breaking MP and led Plaid Cymru with passion and distinction,” he said.
Senedd Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: “It is hard to imagine Welsh political life without him. Dafydd was always at the heart of our democracy, shaping and challenging it in equal measure.”
Liz Saville-Roberts, Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said: “He was a tremendous figure in Welsh public life whose passion for our democracy inspired so many.”
Former Welsh Labour minister Lee Waters described him as “an amazing character” who played a pivotal role in modern Welsh politics. “I liked him a lot, even though he could be maddening. Very sad news.”
Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS said: “Lord Elis-Thomas was a titan of Welsh politics. His deep love for Wales and its people was undeniable.”
Andrew RT Davies, his predecessor, added: “He was always forthright and robust when expressing his views, and for that, I admired him strongly.”
A LASTING LEGACY
Lord Elis-Thomas’ influence on Welsh politics is undeniable, from his leadership of Plaid Cymru to his role in establishing the Senedd. His passing marks the end of an era for Welsh political life, but his legacy will endure for generations to come.
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Helen mills
July 15, 2014 at 8:23 am
Mr Parry be true to the wonderful people of pembrokeshire & more so to yourself & step down. No one in the sector you work in should be awarded the salary you take from these wonderful people who pay your salary be honest tell me what you do in a day to get this amount as you have minions that work for you so you sit back feet up as you can all see in this article.
A young lad scared for the rest of his life but Smiths gratification in minutes & forgotten about until the next time, terror runs through that young lads body how dare you & Smith get away with us h behaviour?
People of pembrokeshire need to shout louder.
Tomos
July 15, 2014 at 8:30 am
Does any one think he’ll do the DECENT thing?
There’s been no sign of that “weakness” in his personality, just sharp elbows getting to that tax funded trough and s** the weak,the disabled and the poor – who I always thought the state was there to help and support.
Now we find out our children were not safe, we’ve had enough from the IPG about paying the most to get the best ** HOLLOW LAUGH** , PCC are just going from one calamity to the next –
surely the memebers of this “party” must be SO ashamed of what has been done (or not done) in their names to get their special responsibility allowances – now they’ve found this sort of information they MUST get a back bone and think about the ppl of Pembrokeshire
Peter Warrender
July 15, 2014 at 12:39 pm
I know is salary and pension pot plus car allowance are an abuse to the council tax payers of Pembrokeshire. The councillors who allowed this abuse should be sacked. On the paedophile front the buck should stop with him, he is the CEO so must take full responsibility for what happens within the PCC. What else is he being paid a massive salary for?
Roy Mcgurn
July 15, 2014 at 1:09 pm
The Chief Executive is several layers removed from this case. His culpability, if any, stems from his cost cutting of council spending, particularly Social Services. Scandals such as this can hit even high spending authorities, so it is difficult to prove cost cutting is a direct cause of this case. However, in cutting costs, a culture of denial has permeated the authority, as some of their antics do not stand up to detailed scrutiny. (The recent irregularities in grants awarded in Pembroke Dock being an example.)If an investigation did indeed determine that this culture of denial was a primary cause of children being put at risk, then his position should be untenable.
Paul Hill
July 15, 2014 at 7:00 pm
The man has a brass neck, he is’nt going to walk away from his gravy train, he’s surrounded himself with allies and they are all in the trough, they will just ignore this as usual…
Lofty
July 15, 2014 at 9:27 pm
I was part of that investigation back in 2005 and witnessed first hand the inappropriate behaviour that monster carried out on our vulnerable young boys in his care. He lied, deceived and manipulated many to serve his own disgusting crime. I am pleased that all those who managed him have been removed from their posts and quite rightly so. We went through hell and lost a good colleague in the process – sacked due to his lies! I just hope and pray that justice will finally be done and BPJ is finally removed from his office too.
Tomos
July 16, 2014 at 8:21 pm
I’m not discussing this case, only the principle – It looks as though ppl who did nothing when Cyril Smith or Jimmy saville was guilty of dreadfully corrupt things, may well have their or their families reputations shredded or may even go to jail for doing nothing when they are caught possibly 20/30 years after the guilty are long gone – only warning those who think they afre safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
woody
July 16, 2014 at 8:52 pm
Watched the documentary last night…Unbelievable! That the chief executive on 220k+ huge benefits per annum can wash his hands of this because he stated he was on holiday!!!!….Also he should be on his knees apologising to the very brave whistle blower after writing such a bombastic chauvinistic condescending letter in reply to her concerns. She lost her job over this and had to move out of the County while Bryn just went on holiday..Bryn Parry Jones needs to be pushed as his arrogance won\’t allow him to resign….No other institution in there right mind would leave this man alone in charge of washing dishes let alone being left in charge of managing millions of pounds of rate payers money …..Bryn Parry Jones and his cronies are a shambolic bunch of opportunistic amateurs riding the red wine jus gravy train.This is not the only scandal to hit Bryn and his lap dancing generals at the PCC…..when will the Welsh Assembly take a REAL interest in the internal incompetence and downright deceit that dogs this Council. I know of no one person who has a good word to say about this bunch of cowboys.Also was it true a memo went around the Council that nobody was allowed to talk to Bryn Parry Jones if they passed him in the council corridors as \”his mind was always on far greater and important things\” ?????..And does he really have a private lift installed to his own office????
Milford Matters
July 17, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Teflon man will escape again – nothing sticks to this guy – he will supported by his Council Cabinet Colleques and survive till the next election.
Keanjo
July 17, 2014 at 6:02 pm
Failure ,failure ,failure crisis, crisis ,crisis .When will it stop? When will someone assert their authority and help us ?