FIRST minister Carwyn Jones has come under increasing pressure to launch an investigation into claims of bullying within his cabinet following the death of former minister Carl Sargeant.

Following the death of the ex-minister his former colleague Leighton Andrews, who served in the cabinet between 2009 and 2013 and again between 2014 and May 2016, spoke out about “minor bullying, mind-games, power-games, favouritism, inconsistency of treatment to different ministers, deliberate personal undermining on occasion”.

Mr Sargeant was found dead at his north Wales home on Tuesday, November 7, just days after he was sacked from the Welsh Government cabinet and suspended from Labour after allegations arose about his conduct.

And yesterday leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies wrote to the first minister calling for an investigation into the claims.

In the letter he said: “In the aftermath of Tuesday’s tragic news there has been widespread grief and palpable anger.

“You will be aware of the accusations currently being levelled against you, many from within your own party, but none more public and strident than those of your former colleague in government, Leighton Andrews.”

Mr Davies referred to comments made by the first minister in a press conference on Thursday in which he said he would “welcome scrutiny”.

Mr Davies added: “In the spirit of transparency and, if confidence is to be restored in this process, I believe it is of the utmost important to the family that you confirm today that this will now proceed in earnest.

“It is also paramount that a separate independent inquiry takes place into the allegations of bullying with Mr Andrews, a former cabinet minister, has said existed within your government, of which you are alleged to have been aware but failed to address.”

Mr Davies said the issue should be investigated firstly by permanent secretary of the Welsh Government Shan Morgan, and then an impartial third party.

He also wrote to Ms Morgan reiterating his call fro an inquiry.

The call has been backed by two Labour MPs, including Mr Sargeant’s Parliamentary counterpart Mark Tami.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas also wrote to Mr Jones, saying: “I believe it is in the best interests of all involved, above all Carl’s family, that there now be an independent inquiry into the process followed which led to Carl’s death.”

The Welsh Government had not responded to request for comment as the Argus went to press.