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Welsh housing minister stands aside over personal conduct allegations
The Welsh minister with responsibility for housing has stood aside from his cabinet role over allegations about his personal conduct.
Carl Sargeant, cabinet secretary for communities and children, posted a statement on Twitter today.
He said: “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 details of the allegations have yet to be disclosed to me.
“I have written to the general secretary of Welsh Labour requesting an urgent investigation into these allegations in order to allow me to clear my name.
“Given the nature of these 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.”
Mr Sargeant has been a cabinet member since 2007, holding the communities and children portfolio twice. He has been a Labour assembly member for Alyn and Deeside since 2003.
He said he would not be commenting further at this stage.
Carwyn Jones, first minister of Wales, is carrying out a reshuffle of his cabinet today.
A spokesperson for Welsh Labour 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.”
Mr Jones’ office appeared to contradict Mr Sargeant’s suggestion that his departure was mutual.
A spokesperson said: “Following allegations, received in the last few days, about Carl Sargeant’s conduct, the first minister has removed him from the cabinet and has asked Welsh Labour to launch a full investigation.”
Update: at 14:43 03/11/17
The story was updated to include a statement from Welsh Labour
Update: at 15:14 03/11/17
The story was updated to include a statement from Carwyn Jones’ spokesperson
