News

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

Published

12 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

Farming

New Narberth farmers’ market to champion Pembrokeshire produce

Published

3 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS GIVEN NEW MONTHLY PLATFORM

A NEW monthly farmers’ market is set to launch in Narberth next month, giving Pembrokeshire producers a regular space to sell and showcase food grown, reared and made in the county.

Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership is launching the market at the Queen’s Hall, Narberth, on Saturday, June 13. It will then run monthly from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

The market has been developed in collaboration with local growers Rufus and Ffion, of Hael Natural Produce, based in Clunderwen.

Organisers say it will bring together a wide range of local food and drink producers, with stalls expected to include fresh seasonal produce, artisan foods, baked goods and speciality items.

Among those taking part are Spirit Wood Wales, Big Green Elephant, Foxhill Preserves and Pencw Cheese.

Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership will lead on marketing and subsidise stall costs for the first three markets, in a bid to encourage strong early participation and reduce barriers for small and emerging producers.

The launch will also see Rufus and Ffion introduce a new local veg box scheme through Hael Natural Produce.

Rufus said: “I’m really excited to be launching my new veg box scheme at the farmers’ market.

“It’s a great opportunity to get fresh, locally grown produce directly to people in the community and to build something that connects people more closely with where their food comes from.”

Sue Latham, Coordinator of Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership, said: “We are looking forward to creating a regular space in Narberth that supports local producers and gives the community consistent access to high-quality, local food.

“This market is about strengthening those connections and building something that can grow over time.”

Organisers are encouraging residents, visitors and food lovers to attend the launch and support the new initiative, which forms part of Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership’s wider work to strengthen local food networks across the county.

Further information is available from Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership at www.plfp.org.uk or by emailing [email protected].

Pic: Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership.

News

Welsh Conservatives name new shadow cabinet after Senedd election

Published

46 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have unveiled their new shadow cabinet following the Senedd election on Thursday (May 7).

Party leader Darren Millar MS said the new team would “hold Wales’ new Plaid Cymru Government to account” while seeking to act as a “constructive opposition” in the Senedd.

Mr Millar said: “I am proud to unveil my new Welsh Conservative team in the Senedd.

“The team brings together a wealth of talent and experience. It will hold Wales’ new Plaid Cymru Government to account and work tirelessly for the people of Wales, speaking up on the issues that matter.

“We will be a constructive opposition party in the Senedd, seeking to work with others, where possible, to effect positive change across the nation.

“That will include continuing to make the case for lower taxes, an end to wasteful spending, and offering solutions to fix our public services.”

Under the appointments, Darren Millar remains leader of the Welsh Conservatives and also becomes Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans.

Paul Davies MS has been named Deputy Leader, Shadow Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Shadow Minister for the Welsh Language, Culture, Tourism and Sport.

Natasha Asghar MS becomes Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, while Andrew RT Davies MS takes on the farming and environment brief.

Janet Finch-Saunders MS has been appointed Shadow Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy.

Peter Fox MS becomes Shadow Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities, while Sam Rowlands MS has been named Policy Director and Shadow Minister for Education, Families and the Constitution.

Local Government

Tessa Hodgson elected leader of Pembrokeshire County Council

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TESSA HODGSON has been elected as the new leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, becoming the first woman to hold the role.

Cllr Hodgson, who represents Lamphey, was chosen at the council’s annual general meeting on Friday (May 15). She succeeds Cllr Jon Harvey, who did not seek re-election as leader.

Following her election, Cllr Hodgson said: “It is a great honour to have been elected leader of Pembrokeshire County Council.

“I thank Cllrs Tinley and Clements for also putting themselves forward and Cllrs Alderman and Williams for proposing and seconding me.

“It is an important moment for the council to elect the first woman to this position, but now the hard work begins.

“I am prepared to work with everyone across the chamber for the benefit of every resident and community of Pembrokeshire, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Cllr Hodgson was first elected in 2012 and is not affiliated to any group on the council.

She previously served as Cabinet Member for Social Services and Safeguarding from 2017, and most recently held the adult social care and safeguarding portfolio.

Before entering local government, Cllr Hodgson worked in marketing and business and ran several hospitality and tourism enterprises.

She is expected to announce her Cabinet shortly.