Pastoral care questioned as Carl Sargeant death ruled as suicide

  • Wales

The coroner looking into the death of Former Minister, Carl Sargeant, has raised concerns not enough has been done by the Welsh Government to support ministers who lose their jobs.

John Gittins said there needs to be ''clear channels of support'' for those who lose their positions and subsequently attract ''significant media interest.''

Former Minister, Carl Sargeant, was found dead at his home in November 2017 - four days after he had been sacked from his job by then First Minister Carwyn Jones.

A number of sexual harassment allegations had been made against the then Alyn and Deeside AM.

The coroner said Mr Sargeant had been diagnosed with depression in 2012 after a ''life event'' and the added ''pressure'' of his role as a Welsh Government Minister.

Read more: Carwyn Jones accused of being a liar at inquest into Carl Sargeant's death

The former first minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones Credit: PA

He said Carwyn Jones was aware of the life event in 2014, but did not recognise there were any ongoing issues after that, despite working closely with Mr Sargeant.

He said there were no official arrangements in place to support Mr Sargeant after he was sacked despite the probability that the first minister knew of his depression and mental health problems.

Mr Gittins recorded a conclusion of suicide as the week look inquest into his death came to an end in Ruthin.

Carl Sargeant's widow, Bernie and his son, Jack, criticised Carwyn Jones ''lack of remorse.'' Credit: PA

Read more: Carl Sargeant 'destroyed' by allegations made against him, widow tells inquest

Carl Sargeant's widow and two children criticised the former first minister's ''lack of remorse'' as he gave evidence this week:

They welcomed the need for greater support for those suffering with mental health problems:

''Having access to the right support is essential. We fully endorse the coroner’s report to prevent future deaths. It’s too late for Dad but may save someone else.''

Carl Sargeant's brother, Andy, said he was ''greatly missed'' but that they were ''proud' of his achievements.

Following the conclusion, Carwyn Jones offered his condolences but said the matter had ''driven a wedge'' between those who are ''united'' in their grief:

Mr Gittins has submitted a prevention of future deaths report to the Welsh Government to call for greater support for those sacked from office.

The current first minister, Mark Drakeford, said the report would be ''considered'' in full as he offered his condolences to the Sargeant family.