Further action in Welsh fire services not ruled out

Welsh fire services could face further government intervention if more problems are found, the first minister has said.

Commissioners have been sent into South Wales fire service to address cultural issues found in a review.

But there are calls for more action after a row over who the commissioners appointed as an interim chief.

Mark Drakeford said a government minister would seek assurances from senior fire officials on Monday.

He said Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn, could act if there were "instances elsewhere that need to be put right".

The Welsh government effectively took over South Wales Fire and Rescue Service after a report by Fenella Morris found "a sexist and misogynist culture in many places in the service".

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On Monday, Mr Drakeford backed the commissioners, who have been criticised for giving a temporary chief fire officer job to a senior official from north Wales who is facing an employment tribunal over harassment and discrimination claims.

The Fire Brigades Union has passed a vote of no confidence in Stuart Millington, who is also accused of behaving in an intimidating and bullying manner.

He is understood to have denied the claims. The news prompted calls for a further review of the two other fire services in Wales - Mid and West and North Wales.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Drakeford said the decision to send in the commissioners had not been taken previously in the history of devolution.

"That illustrates the depth of the challenge. And surely nobody would have believed that, in taking on that challenge, but they would not be some rough weather along the way," he said.

He said Ms Blythyn will be meeting on Monday senior people from the two other fire and rescue services that we have here in Wales".

She will be looking to them to provide assurances, that they have looked at the Morris report and held that as a mirror against in which those services operate.

"A line has not simply been drawn under it by the appointment of commissioners in South Wales.

"There will be important lessons elsewhere, and the minister will be monitoring that very carefully to make sure that if there are instances elsewhere that need to be put right that action is being taken to do so."