Honesty from Labour leaders (From South Wales Argus)

Honesty from Labour leaders

1:43pm Friday 15th March 2013 in Letters

MUCH has been written and said about the senior officers’ pay at Caerphilly council. And I’ve no doubt that more will be written and said following the agreed suspension of the chief executive.

The Labour leadership, with the full support of the Labour Group, acted promptly to reverse the original decision. They have demonstrated honesty and openness throughout. They made no attempt to hide the mistake made and have worked constructively with the trade unions. This is in sharp contrast to Plaid Cymru, who have unashamedly sought to gain party political advantage. Plaid have been largely silent on their role in the making of the original decision. No doubt we will have clarity soon. The report from the Wales Audit Office is very clear in its criticism of the existing decision-making process.

The current council leadership will meet very soon with the minister, Carl Sargeant, to discuss the best way forward in light of the auditor’s report. But on closer reading, the auditor’s report states: “On two previous occasions (2010 and 2012) the auditors have reported to the council concerns about the need for proper processes to inform decision-making”.

But who was in charge of the council up to May of 2012? Why the same Plaid Cymru that are busy attacking Labour now! So is the noise from Plaid nothing more than smokescreen to hide their failures?

Jeff Cuthbert AM Bargoed