Senior Labour figure in Wales suspended after allegations about his ‘personal conduct’ reported to First Minister
Carl Sargeant posted statement resigning this afternoon – but spokesman for Carwyn Jones said he had been ‘removed’ from Cabinet
A SENIOR Labour figure in the Welsh government has been suspended after allegations about his “personal conduct” were reported to the country’s First Minister.
Carl Sargeant posted a statement on Twitter announcing he was resigning as minister for communities and children this afternoon.
He called for an investigation to “clear his name” – but a spokesman for Carwyn Jones said he had been “removed” from the Cabinet as the Westminster sleaze scandal appears to have spread to Cardiff.
Mr Sargeant, who has been an Assembly Member since 2003, was the Labour group's chief whip before taking a string of government roles.
He said he was told about the allegations by Mr Jones but had not been given details about the claims.
In the statement he wrote: "I met with the First Minister today and he informed me allegations had been made about my personal conduct, which was shocking and distressing to me."
The Alyn and Deeside AM added: "The details of the allegations have yet to be disclosed to me.
"I have written to the general secretary of Welsh Labour requesting an urgent independent investigation into these allegations in order to allow me to clear my name.
"Given the nature of the allegations, I agreed with the First Minister that it was right that I stand aside from Cabinet today. I look forward to returning to Government once my name has been cleared."
But a Welsh Labour spokesman said: "Carl Sargeant has been suspended from party membership, and therefore the Labour whip in the National Assembly for Wales, while an investigation into allegations received takes place."
