A suspended Labour member of the Welsh Assembly has been found dead, two days after allegations were made about his personal conduct. Carl Sargeant, 49, faced what he described as “shocking and distressing” allegations, and had been suspended by the party. He had said he resigned from his cabinet position as secretary for communities and children to clear his name, but Labour said he had been sacked.
In a statement on Twitter, Sargeant said: “I met with the First Minister today and he informed me allegations had been made about my personal conduct, which was shocking and distressing to me. “The details of the allegations have yet to be disclosed to me.”
Jeremy Corbyn said: “This is terrible and deeply shocking news. My thoughts and profound sympathy are with Carl’s family, friends and colleagues.” A spokesperson for the Welsh Assembly confirmed it would not be sitting today.
Mr Sargeant represented the Alyn & Deeside constituency in North Wales. North Wales Police said: “We are investigating an incident at an address in Connah’s Quay. There are no further details available at present.”
Police were called at 11.30am. On Saturday, a Welsh Labour spokesman confirmed: “Carl Sargeant has been suspended from party membership, and therefore the Labour whip in the National Assembly for Wales, while an investigation into allegations received takes place.”
Source: News agencies
