A former government minister in Wales has been found dead just days after he was suspended following allegations from a number of women about his personal conduct.
Carl Sargeant is believed to have taken his own life after he lost his job as the minister responsible for communities in Wales on Friday after undisclosed allegations were made against him.
He was also suspended from the Labour party, the main opposition party, which has been thrown into turmoil over allegations of sexual harassment that have swept the British political establishment.
In his last tweet, Mr Sargeant said on Friday that allegations had been made against him which were “shocking and distressing” and stated his intention to clear his name. Police were called to his home on Tuesday after his body was found.
Personal Statement pic.twitter.com/6VEOtGtj2Z
— Carl Sargeant (@carlsargeant1) November 3, 2017
Mr Sargeant worked in the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff, which was established in 1998 after powers were devolved to the constituent countries of the UK.
The assembly had been due on Tuesday to discuss allegations of harassment by politicians but all proceedings were suspended after his death was announced.
The discussion was prompted by complaints of inappropriate behaviour by a BBC journalist and former government adviser.
Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the opposition Labour party, said Mr Sargeant’s death was “terrible and deeply shocking news”.
I'm deeply shocked to hear of the terrible news about Carl Sargeant. My thoughts and profound sympathy are with his family and friends.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) November 7, 2017
Britain’s prime minister Theresa May on Monday unveiled a series of proposals to prevent abuses of power that she said was a “matter of shame” for all those in parliament.
The scandal has seen her defence secretary Michael Fallon quit after he admitted that his past behaviour with women had fallen short of the standards demanded by the armed forces. Other MPs are under investigation.
