William Eichler 18 October 2024

Council leader quits over paedophile headteacher row

Council leader quits over paedophile headteacher row image
Image: © Plaid Cymru.

The leader of Gwynedd Council has stood down after a row over his initial failure to apologise to the victims of a convicted paedophile headteacher.

Four council members quit the cabinet after Plaid Cymru’s Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn gave an interview to Welsh language broadcaster Newyddion S4C where he failed to apologise to the victims of Neil Foden,

In July, Foden was sentenced to 17 years in prison for sex offences against four girls.

The four councillors called for a public inquiry and an independent review of the council’s processes.

Cllr Siencyn later apologised and backed the call for a public inquiry.

In a statement announcing his resignation yesterday, he said it had been a ‘privilege’ to lead the council adding that this row had been ‘the most challenging for the council as an authority and for myself as leader.’

He added: ‘I am deeply sorry for the pain the victims and their families have gone through at the hands of this man, and they remain at the forefront of my mind.’

Plaid Cymru Gwynedd group chair Cai Larsen said: 'All group members wish to express their sincere gratitude to Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn for his work and dedication as leader over the past seven years. We wish him well for the future.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Interim Head of Waste Management

Essex County Council
Up to £650.0000 per day + Umbrella
Interim Head of Waste ManagementTemporary, Full TimePay Rate
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Planning Policy Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£44,355 - £53,120 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Planning Policy Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Occupational Therapist

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£35,676 - £42,811 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for an Occupational Therapist to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire / Multiple
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Personal Advisor

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£37,766- £47,830 per annum
Personal Advisor£37,766- £47,830 ... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Senior Social Worker (Hospital Team)

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£45,831 - £50,414 per annum, plus an annual retention bonus of £3,000 subject to eligibility.
We have exciting opportunities for Senior Social Workers to join the Hospital Discharge Team! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Linkedin Banner