News

Bryn allegations referred for formal inquiry as Adams negotiates possible pay-off.

Published

11 years ago

October 6, 2014

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.

bryn 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

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15 Comments

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

Community

Tesco launches Easter scheme to support families during school holidays

Published

18 minutes ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donation bags aim to ease pressure as foodbank demand remains high

WELSH families struggling to afford food during the school holidays are being offered extra support this Easter through a nationwide initiative launched by Tesco.

Customers visiting Tesco stores across Wales can buy pre-packed donation bags, priced between £2 and £5, to help families facing financial hardship during the Easter break. The scheme will run from Sunday (Mar 30) until April 12.

The bags contain essential long-life food items and will be distributed to charities including FareShare, The Felix Project and Trussell, helping provide vital supplies to those most in need.

Holiday periods can place added pressure on families who rely on free school meals during term time. Without that support, many parents struggle to ensure their children have access to regular, nutritious food.

Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco said: “Holiday periods can be really tough for families who miss out on free school meals, making it harder to ensure children get healthy food.

“These donation bags are a simple way for customers to make a real difference, helping provide vital support to families over the school holidays.”

Figures from Trussell show foodbank demand remains significantly higher than before the pandemic, with usage 45% above 2019 levels. In 2025 alone, the network distributed the equivalent of one food parcel every 12 seconds, with families accounting for nearly two-thirds of support.

FareShare and The Felix Project, which have recently merged to form the UK’s largest food redistribution charity, now support more than 8,000 community groups—83% of which work with families and children.

Tesco says it will continue its year-round efforts to tackle food poverty through schemes such as its Community Food Connection programme, which redistributes unsold food from stores, and its Fruit and Veg for Schools initiative, which supports healthier eating in schools with high levels of free school meals.

Matthew van Duyvenbode, Co-CEO at Trussell said: “No one should face hunger. These donations make a real difference, especially during the school holidays when families face increased costs.”

Charlotte Hill, CEO at FareShare & The Felix Project, added: “The school holidays can be especially difficult for parents already struggling. Initiatives like this help ensure more families can access the food they need.”

Tesco customers can also donate additional long-life items in store, including tinned meat and fish, pasta, rice, cereals, soups, and long-life milk.

Critics argue the scheme places the burden on customers at a time when supermarkets are reporting strong profits, while supporters say it provides vital, immediate help to struggling families.

Health

GP crisis driving NHS pressure in Wales, Senedd report warns

Published

22 minutes ago

March 26, 2026

Jon Coles

Falling GP numbers and funding gaps blamed for worsening hospital delays

THE NHS crisis highlighted earlier this week is being driven in part by a deepening shortage of GP services, a new Senedd report has revealed.

As previously reported by The Herald, politicians have raised serious concerns about mounting pressure on hospitals, long waits in A&E, and the growing strain on frontline services. Now, a report published on Friday (Mar 27) by the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee points to the root of the problem — a weakening primary care system.

The Committee warns that without urgent investment in GP services and preventative care, demand across the NHS will continue to rise beyond capacity.

Sharp decline in GP practices

The report highlights a long-term fall in the number of GP practices across Wales.

In 2002, there were 516 practices operating nationwide. By the start of the pandemic in 2020, that number had dropped to 404. Today, just 374 remain.

The decline has been felt most acutely in rural areas, including west Wales, where fewer practices are now expected to serve growing populations with increasingly complex health needs.

The result, the report suggests, is more patients turning to already overstretched hospital services.

Funding model under pressure

Despite Welsh Government commitments to prioritise community healthcare, the Committee heard evidence that funding has not kept pace with demand.

Concerns were also raised about the current funding formula used for GP practices, which critics say fails to properly reflect deprivation, illness levels and the challenges of delivering care in rural areas.

Without reform, the Committee warns that general practice risks becoming unsustainable, with inequalities in access likely to widen.

Access frustration growing

Patients across Wales continue to face difficulties accessing GP appointments, with the so-called “8:00am scramble” remaining a major source of frustration.

Older patients, those in work, and people with caring responsibilities are among those most affected.

The report also points to concerns about reduced continuity of care and shorter appointment times, contributing to declining public confidence in GP services.

Hospitals feeling the strain

The findings reinforce concerns raised earlier this week about pressure on emergency departments and delays in care.

By failing to invest sufficiently in primary and preventative services, the report suggests more patients are reaching crisis point — increasing demand for hospital treatment that could otherwise have been avoided.

Call for urgent action

The Committee is calling on the Welsh Government to shift more healthcare services into the community, backed by sustained investment and reform of the funding system.

Committee chair Peter Fox said: “General practice and primary care are the cornerstone of our NHS.

“If we are to ease the growing pressures across the whole health system, we must ensure people can access services closer to home and receive treatment earlier.”

Healthcare leaders, including the British Medical Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners, have also warned that without decisive action, GP services will continue to deteriorate.

The report concludes that unless primary care is strengthened, pressure on hospitals will continue to grow — leaving patients facing longer waits and reduced access to treatment.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

18 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.