Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones says he 'acted by the book' in handling of Carl Sargeant allegations

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones at the press conference over Carl Sargeant's death.
PA
Francesca Gillett9 November 2017

The Welsh Assembly is facing its “darkest days” in memory, the country’s first minister has said as he told reporters he acted “by the book” over the death of sacked minister Carl Sargeant.

Former minister for communities Mr Sargeant was sacked last Friday following allegations of “unwanted attention, inappropriate groping or touching”. He was found dead four days later.

First minister of Wales Carwyn Jones gave a press conference on Thursday amid criticism of the way he handled the allegations as speculation mounted he could step down.

It comes as relatives of ex-minister Mr Sargeant claimed he had not been properly informed of the claims and was left “unable to properly defend himself”.

Speaking to media on Thursday afternoon, Mr Jones said: “We're all very shocked by what happened this week. There is great hurt, anger and bewilderment.

Carl Sargeant was found dead earlier this week.
PA

“Carl was my friend. In all the years that I knew him I never had a cross word with him.

“For 14 years we worked together. He was a great Chief Whip and a Minister who served his country with distinction.

“I cannot conceive of what Bernie and the family must be going through.”

He said there were “a lot of inaccuracies in the press”, adding it was not appropriate for him to give precise detail but an inquest is likely to take place.

“The family deserve to have their questions answered and if that isn't possible through the inquest then I will endeavour to make that happen through other means,” Mr Sargeant said.

“There is a legal process to go through and I am obviously acting within that. I welcome any scrutiny of my actions in the future and it is appropriate for that to be done independently.

“I quite properly did all that I could to make sure that everything was being done by the book. I had no alternative but to take the action that I did and I hope that people will understand that.

“Carl was a true force of nature - he drove through more legislation than any other Minister. Not just through force of argument, but through force of personality.

“Wales has lost a person of great warmth, ability and charisma. These are the darkest days any of us can remember in this institution - but they are darkest of all for the family, and we must respect their right to grieve in peace at this time."

Mr Sargeant, 49, had been accused of a series of allegations involving women. He called for an urgent investigation to clear his name, and “categorically denied” any wrongdoing.

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