NEWPORT West MP Paul Flynn, who interviewed the former headteacher accused of abusing children at a Malpas primary school, said he did not remember a “whisper of scandal” at the time.

Yesterday the Argus revealed more allegations against Jon Styler, who allegedly molested boys at Malpas Church in Wales School during the 1970s.

Mr Styler, who lived alone on Queen’s Hill Crescent in Newport, committed suicide in 2007 while on police bail.

Mr Flynn MP was councillor for Malpas at the time Jon Styler applied for the leadership post.

In a 2007 blog post, he said: “Jon Styler is dead. I interviewed him in 1972 when he was applying for the headship of Malpas Church in Wales School. He was a very talented and polished 30 year old teacher. It was a bold decision to give him the headship at such an early age.

“He had a long and brilliant career as a teacher and a teacher composer. He added joy and lustre to many lives. Now he has taken his life at the age of 65. The report said that he faced a charge for an offence alleged 27 years ago. He strenuously denied any guilt.

“There are many hundreds of past pupils and his many friends who will be greatly saddened by his passing.”

A former colleague has claimed that concerns about Mr Styler were raised with authorities including Gwent County Council and the church but nothing was done.

Speaking after Wednesday’s interview with an alleged victim appeared in the Argus, Mr Flynn MP said: “I was horrified to read the allegations and I don’t remember a whisper of scandal at the time.”

Collingbourne Hennah Law solicitors, representing the alleged victim, say they have been contacted by other former pupils about abuse at the school since the Argus printed his allegations.

Mr Styler allegedly picked “attractive” young boys to read to him in private in his study, placing a red light next to the door which meant he should not be disturbed.

A former colleague claimed: “I would disregard this and enter the study without notice where I would continue to witness Mr Styler reading with the children while they were sitting between his legs.”