Independent inquiry into death of Carl Sargeant called off

An independent inquiry into the circumstances which led to the death of former minister Carl Sargeant has been called off.

Alyn and Deeside AM Mr Sargeant, 49, was found hanged at his home in Connah's Quay, Flintshire, on November 7 2017, four days after he was sacked from his job by then First Minister Carwyn Jones amid sexual harassment claims.

In July, senior coroner for North Wales John Gittins ruled his death was a suicide. During the inquest, the pastoral care for sacked ministers came under criticism.

Former First Minister Carwyn Jones' treatment of Mr Sargeant was questioned during the inquest Credit: PA

The independent QC led investigation was called to look at the events surrounding Mr Sargeant's death.

The Welsh Government appointed the Chair of ACAS Sir Brendan Barber to act as a mediator between the family of Carl Sargeant and Carwyn Jones.

In a written statement, First Minister Mark Drakeford said that on recommendation from Sir Brendan Barber, the ''investigation should not proceed.''

Mr Drakeford also announced the Welsh Government will pay Mr Sargeant's family any outstanding legal costs.

He said: ''I know that all parties involved now share a wish to bring an end to the public controversy in relation to the tragic death of Carl, allowing us all to remember him as the valued husband, father, colleague and friend that he was.''

Carl Sargeant's widow, Bernie and his son, Jack Credit: PA

In a statement, the family of Mr Sargeant welcomed the decision to halt the inquiry.

They said: ''As a family, we have come to realise that the inquiry process would be unlikely to give us the answers we seek. So, enough is enough. We must draw a line under everything and let our grieving process begin. We also have no desire to distract the Welsh Government at a time of national crisis.

“Two and half tortuous years have passed since Carl’s death, yet during the worst of times we have been supported by many people. We want to thank the inquiry chair Paul Bowen for his work. We’d also like to send our heartfelt thanks to our legal team, Leslie Thomas QC, Neil Hudgell and VictoriaRichardson of Hudgell Solicitors, and our PR adviser Kerry Jack for their unfailing support throughout.

“Finally, we echo words Carl used many times: “Edrych ar ol ein gilydd” / “look after each other.”

Paul Davies said ''questions remain unanswered'' over the circumstances leading to Mr Sargeant's death. Credit: PA

In response to the decision, Leader of the Welsh Conversatives, Paul Davies AM, said ''questions remain unanswered'' over the circumstances leading to Mr Sargeant's death.