Carl Sargeant QC led inquiry terms of reference announced
The Independent Investigation into Carwyn Jones’ actions leading to Carl Sargeant’s departure from his Welsh Government post has published its terms of reference.
Paul Bowen QC who is leading the inquiry has also published a call for evidence relating to the terms of reference, which are:
“To conduct an investigation into the First Minister’s actions and decisions in relation to Carl Sargeant’s departure from his post as Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children and thereafter.”
On 3 November 2017 Alyn and Deeside AM Carl Sargeant was dismissed from his role as the Welsh Government’s secretary for communities and children and suspended from the Labour Party pending an inquiry into allegations about his conduct.
On November 7 Mr Sargeant is found dead at his home in Connah’s Quay.
On 10 November 2017, the First Minister announced his intention to appoint a senior barrister (known as a ‘Queen’s Counsel’) to investigate his actions and decisions in relation to Carl Sargeant.
Paul Bowen QC said:
“I intend to carry out a thorough and independent investigation into the First Minister’s actions and decisions in relation to Carl Sargeant’s departure from his post.
“I hope that anyone who can provide evidence relating to the Investigation’s terms of reference will do so fully and as soon as possible, so that my team and I are able to complete all phases of our work within the six-month timescale set for us.
“Given the sensitive nature of this investigation, my hearings will not be held in public or open to the media and I do not intend to make further comment in advance of publication of my report towards the end of the year.
“I would particularly like to thank Mr Sargeant’s family for their patience and participation to date at what must be an extremely difficult time for them.”
The Investigation intends to complete its work by the end of the year, when a report will be tabled in the Welsh Assembly and published.
What evidence is the Investigation looking for?
The investigation will look for information, including documents, relating to the Terms of Reference,
The Independent QC Investigation website states:
1. How the allegations against Carl Sargeant were investigated
The Investigation seeks evidence relating to the allegations against Carl Sargeant and how they were investigated. Particularly, what information was provided to the First Minister, the manner in which he received it and whether, and if so how, he and/or those under his direction investigated the allegations. The Investigation also seeks evidence in relation to the UK Labour Party’s investigation into the allegations, insofar as the First Minister was involved in that investigation and/or it impacted on his decisions and actions. The Investigation invites evidence going to this issue.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Investigation does not consider it to be within its Terms of Reference to reach conclusions on whether the allegations against Carl Sargeant AM were well-founded or to reach conclusions on the actions or decisions of the UK Labour Party.
2. Carl Sargeant AM’s departure from his post
The Investigation seeks evidence in relation to the departure of Carl Sargeant from his post; the decision-making process which led to his departure and the First Minister’s involvement in that process; how that decision was communicated to Carl Sargeant and others; to what extent the First Minister was responsible for that communication; what Carl Sargeant’s mental state was in the days prior to his death and what information, if any, the First Minister had in relation to Carl Sargeant’s mental state.
3. Events between 3 November 2017 and 7 November 2017
The Investigation seeks evidence in relation to the period following the departure of Carl Sargeant from his Ministerial post and before his death, particularly what information was shared in relation to Carl Sargeant by the First Minister with Carl Sargeant’s family, the media and the Labour Party.
4. Procedures, codes and practices
The Investigation seeks evidence as to what procedures/codes/practices if any, were applicable at the relevant time to the departure of Carl Sargeant from his Ministerial post, and if so the extent to which these were or should have been applied in the decision-making process.
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