News

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

Published

10 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

Pembs Agricultural Society’s Christmas Fair expands to an all-weekend event

Published

3 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S Christmas Fair will be an all-weekend event next month. The Christmas shopping extravaganza is all set to take place on Saturday, 14 December as well as Sunday, 15 December.

The Parkhouse building on the Haverfordwest Showground will be transformed into a Christmas paradise. There will be even more stalls this year with a wide variety of quality local businesses exhibiting as well as festive music, Santa in his Grotto and an outdoor food court.

Judith Roach and Emma Thomas, the event organisers, said, “We are excited to be able to announce that our Christmas Fair will be on for two days rather than just one this year. We continue to build on the success of last year’s event with twice the opportunities to attend and even more stallholders. It will be the perfect start to the festive season as the Parkhouse Building will be transformed into a one-stop-shop for those preparing for Christmas.”

The Fair will be open from 10am until 4pm and admission is free. Visitors will find unique gifts, handmade decorations, art and beautiful homeware. Some of the county’s very best food and drink producers will also have stalls to give visitors the opportunity to stock up on all their festive treats. From decadent chocolate brownies, fudge, festive spirits to Welsh cheeses, there’s something to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds. There will also be a range of outlets for ‘on the go’ eating and drinking.

One special guest at the event will be everyone’s favourite bearded gentleman in red – Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to attend the event. There will be a charge of £3 per child to visit Santa and all proceeds will go directly to Sandy Bear charity to support their work. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa as part of their visit. Parents can book in advance via the website: www.sandybear.co.uk/santa

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s President is looking forward to the festive event. He said, “The Society would like to thank Judith and Emma for all the hours they have put in, voluntarily, to organise the two-day Christmas event. We’re delighted to be able to offer visitors the opportunity to do all their Christmas shopping whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

Follow Pembrokeshire County Show’s Christmas Fair event page on Facebook for a full list of stallholders in the run up to the event.

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

13 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

News

Campaigners urge Welsh Government to adopt proportional representation for Local Elections

Published

14 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAMPAIGNERS are calling on the Welsh Government to introduce the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for local elections, following moves by two councils to shift away from the First Past the Post (FPTP) system being blocked on technical grounds.

Yesterday (Nov 14), Ceredigion Council voted narrowly, with an 18 to 17 majority, in favor of adopting STV. This follows Gwynedd Council’s decision last month, where 65% of councillors backed the move. However, both councils have been prevented from implementing STV due to a requirement for a two-thirds majority under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.

In recent consultations, public support for STV has been overwhelming, with over 70% in Gwynedd and 67% in Ceredigion favoring the change. Only Powys Council rejected the proposal, despite 60.5% of its respondents supporting STV. Campaigners argue that the current system deprives voters of representation, citing that over 100,000 people were denied a vote in the 2022 elections due to uncontested seats.

The Electoral Reform Society Cymru (ERS Cymru) highlights the contrast with Scotland, where the introduction of STV for local elections in 2007 has significantly reduced uncontested seats. According to ERS Cymru, Scotland has had fewer uncontested seats in the last four elections combined than Gwynedd Council recorded alone in 2022.

Jess Blair, Director of ERS Cymru, said:

“Decisions made in council chambers affect everyone in those areas, so every vote should count. It’s absurd that councils choosing STV are blocked by a technicality, leaving them stuck with an outdated system that denies representation to thousands. The Welsh Government must act to avoid repeating the undemocratic outcomes of the last elections.”

Campaigners are now calling on the Welsh Government to introduce STV across all councils in Wales, ensuring representation that reflects the electorate’s wishes.