Former Welsh minister Carl Sargeant killed himself days after being sacked over sexual misconduct allegations, a coroner has ruled.
Coroner John Gittins said he was concerned not enough has been done by the Welsh Government to ensure help and support is given to ministers who are removed from office, as he recorded a conclusion that the death of Sargeant was suicide.
He added that removals of high profile politicians “will attract significant media interest and intrusion into their private lives”.
The 49-year-old was found dead at his home in Connah’s Quay, Deeside, in November 2017.
When he was sacked as communities and children minister, Sargeant, a father of two, was also suspended from the Labour Party over allegations of “unwanted attention, inappropriate touching or groping”.
His death came just four days after he was sacked by then first minister Carwyn Jones regarding the claims.
As he began delivering his conclusions at Ruthin County Hall on Thursday, Gittins told the court: “The twists and turns of the journey at times along the murkiest paths into the world of politics has been a challenge.
“Anyone hoping for a glowing vindication of Carl Sargeant or a damning vilification of Carwyn Jones, or indeed vice versa, will be sorely disappointed.”
An inquest into Sargeant’s death in November last year heard that allegations against him “could not be ignored”.
The inquest has heard that at least three women had spoken of inappropriate conduct by Sargeant, between 2015 and 2016.
An anonymous letter had also been sent to the First Minister in 2016 claiming Sargeant was “not fit to be around women”.
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