WELSH First Minister Carwyn Jones has been accused of misleading the Assembly in Cardiff over alleged bullying within his government.
It follows the death of Carl Sargeant last week.
The former cabinet secretary for communities and children was found dead at his family home in Connah’s Quay, north Wales, just days after he was suspended by the Labour Party.
Unspecified allegations were made against him by three women.
Sargeant denied the allegations.
Former Labour AM Leighton Andrews, and Steve Jones, who was the First Minister’s right-hand-man, have claimed there were attempts to undermine Sargeant.
Tory and Plaid Cymru Assembly members pointed out that in November 2014, when asked whether there had been any reports of bullying by advisers in the previous three years, Jones had said no allegations had been made.
But on Tuesday the Welsh First Minister told the chamber: “Any issues brought to my attention at that time were dealt with.”
Yesterday, Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies asked when the allegations were first brought to Jones’s attention, who investigated them, and what action followed.
Jones replied: “I have nothing to add to the answers I’ve already given, but I do again of course reiterate the invitation that was made yesterday if anyone wishes to come forward with further information.”
Plaid Cymru AM Adam Price later asked for the First Minister to be brought back to the chamber after he “refused to respond” to questions.
“We have complete lack of clarity now as to whether the assembly was misled which is a very, very serious matter indeed,” he said.
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales on Friday, Andrews said he knew of complaints raised with Jones from at least four ministers.
Meanwhile, Sargeant’s son, Jack, paid tribute to his father: “This has been the hardest week of our lives. It’s difficult to imagine how we would have coped without the support of other family members, the community and dad’s friends from across Wales.
“We have had so many messages of support from people who had met dad once, or those who had never met him at all but knew from others what a kind, caring and genuine man he was. Knowing how much dad was loved has helped us bear the pain.”
Jack said his family were moved by tributes paid to Sargeant in the Welsh Assembly on Tuesday.
He added: “My mum Bernie, my sister Lucy and I have been overwhelmed by the support we have received since dad’s tragic death last Tuesday.
“For us to be in the national assembly yesterday – to hear for ourselves the heartfelt tributes from his friends and colleagues in Cardiff – was also a very moving experience.
“We will always cherish the kindness extended to us during this time by friends and strangers like. As a family, we would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The Labour Assembly member Ken Skates said: “If there is to be a lasting legacy to Carl, it should be that we should all show a bit more love and care for one another.”
A preliminary inquest hearing on Monday heard Sargeant’s body was found by his wife in their home.
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