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

Crime

Milford Haven disturbance sees two women arrested

Published

3 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO WOMEN were arrested following a disturbance at the Mount Estate in Milford Haven on Saturday night (May 9).

The Herald understands the arrests followed an altercation involving four people.

Video circulating on social media shows two women lying face down on the ground outside while handcuffed and restrained by police officers.

In the footage, officers can be heard telling one woman that she is being arrested on suspicion of assaulting police.

Both women were then taken away, each flanked by officers.

Other women can be seen speaking to those detained while they remain on the ground.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for further details, including confirmation of the number of arrests, the nature of the incident, and whether anyone was injured.

News

Wales enters new political era after historic Senedd election

Published

18 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WALES has entered a new political era after voters delivered the biggest political upheaval since devolution.

Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party in the Senedd, Reform UK surged into second place, and Welsh Labour was reduced to its worst result since the creation of Welsh devolution in 1999.

The result ends Labour’s long dominance of Welsh politics and leaves Cardiff Bay facing weeks of negotiations over who will form the next Welsh Government.

Labour dominance ends

For the first time since the Senedd was created, Labour is no longer the largest party in Wales.

The party fell to just nine seats in the expanded 96-member chamber, a result which has sent shockwaves through Welsh politics.

First Minister Eluned Morgan also lost her own seat in Ceredigion Penfro before announcing that she would stand down as Welsh Labour leader.

The scale of the defeat reflects deep public frustration over the NHS, public services, the cost of living, and the perception that Welsh Labour had run out of energy after decades in power.

Ken Skates has now been appointed interim Welsh Labour leader as the party begins what is likely to be a long and painful rebuilding process.

Plaid’s historic breakthrough

Plaid Cymru finished as the largest party with 43 seats, a landmark result for Rhun ap Iorwerth and his party.

It is the closest Plaid has ever come to forming a government in Wales, and gives the party the clear first opportunity to try to lead the next Welsh Government.

However, Plaid fell short of the 49 seats needed for an outright majority.

That means Rhun ap Iorwerth must now decide whether to seek a formal coalition, a confidence-and-supply arrangement, or attempt to govern as a minority administration.

The party campaigned strongly on the NHS, childcare, housing, rural Wales and economic renewal. It must now show that it can move from opposition into government and turn those promises into delivery.

***Rhun ap Iorwerth after the election result was announced***

Reform becomes major force

The other major story of the election was the dramatic rise of Reform UK.

The party won 34 seats, becoming the second-largest group in the Senedd and reshaping the political map across Wales.

Reform made major gains in former Labour heartlands, particularly in areas where voters have become disillusioned with Cardiff Bay politics and traditional party loyalties.

***Dan Thomas, Reform Leader in Wales, after being elected (Image: BBC)***

Its success means the next Senedd will be noisier, more confrontational, and far less predictable than before.

Reform will now have a large platform from which to challenge Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour and the Conservatives on public services, immigration, the economy, and the future direction of Wales.

**Dan Thomas, Reform Leader in Wales, talks to the BBC about Reforms impressive ‘trajectory’ into Wales**

Smaller parties gain ground

The Conservatives were reduced to seven seats, leaving them much diminished after years of trying to present themselves as the main alternative to Labour.

The Wales Green Party won two seats, giving the party its first real foothold in the Senedd.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats won one seat, ensuring they remain represented in Cardiff Bay.

The new electoral system, which expanded the Senedd from 60 to 96 members and introduced 16 larger constituencies electing six MSs each, helped create a far more proportional result.

It has also produced a chamber in which smaller parties and tactical negotiations will matter more than ever.

***Former First Minister Eluned Morgan arrives at the count in Ceredigion, accompanies by Labour candidate Cllr Marc Tierney***

What happens next?

The key issue now is who can command enough support to govern.

Plaid Cymru, as the largest party, will be expected to lead the process of forming an administration.

But without a majority, every major vote will matter. Budgets, major laws, confidence votes and key policy decisions will all require careful negotiation.

A formal deal with another party may prove difficult. A minority Plaid government is possible, but it would need support from other MSs to survive.

That means the next few weeks could be decisive for the future of Wales.

A changed country

This was more than a bad night for Labour or a breakthrough for Plaid and Reform.

It was a clear sign that Welsh politics has changed.

Old loyalties have weakened. Voters who once backed the same party for generations have shown they are prepared to move. The next Senedd will be more divided, more unpredictable, and more difficult to control.

For Wales, the message is stark.

The Labour era is over. Plaid Cymru now has its greatest opportunity yet. Reform UK has arrived as a major force. And whoever forms the next Welsh Government will have to prove quickly that change means more than a different set of faces in Cardiff Bay.

Community

Haverfordwest Castle redevelopment on track for 2028 reopening

Published

23 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Major project will create new visitor attraction, events space, museum and improved town links

HAVERFORDWEST Castle is on course to reopen in 2028 following a major redevelopment project aimed at transforming the historic site into a high-quality visitor attraction.

County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward in Haverfordwest, recently visited the site to see the progress being made.

He said: “As County Councillor for the Castle Ward in Haverfordwest, it was lovely to visit the Haverfordwest Castle Redevelopment Project and see the progress that has been achieved.

“I am very much looking forward to the Castle reopening in 2028.”

The project will see the mediaeval castle conserved for future generations, while the Inner Bailey has been landscaped so it can host events for up to 500 people.

These could include concerts, plays, craft fairs, Christmas markets and other community events.

The wider castle grounds are also being improved, with new interpretation explaining the history of the site, as well as family-friendly activities.

The building which houses Haverfordwest Museum, the Governor’s House, is being conserved, while the museum exhibition inside will be completely refurbished and modernised.

The former gaol building will also be transformed into a visitor attraction telling the story of Pembrokeshire’s past and future in an interactive and family-friendly way.

The attraction will include a café, shop, community spaces and exhibition areas.

Work is also taking place to improve the physical route between the castle and the town centre at Castle Back, with better signage planned to help visitors find the castle and navigate Haverfordwest more easily.

The castle is expected to reopen in 2028.