Politician admits behaving badly on Plaid Cymru night out
- Published
Rhys ab Owen was elected in 2021
A Member of the Senedd who was found to have inappropriately touched two women on a night out has apologised "unreservedly" for his behaviour.
On Wednesday evening the Senedd agreed unanimously to ban Rhys ab Owen from the institution for six weeks.
Mr ab Owen admitted behaving badly and, addressing the Welsh Parliament, said: "I have let you all down."
But he criticised the process that led to his sanction, which will strip him of his salary while he is suspended.
It is the longest period of time any politician has been banned from the institution.
A report from the standards committee last week said Mr ab Owen denied improper conduct, and had denied inappropriately touching the women concerned.
Since the decision to recommend the ban, questions have been raised about the process.
If Mr ab Owen had been an MP he would face a recall petition which could lead to a by-election. No such process currently exists in Wales.
Mr ab Owen said he accepted the "punishment given to me", but he said he had reservations about the process, complaining about how long it took and a lack of transparency.
The MS for South Wales Central was suspended from Plaid Cymru last week, when the report from the standards committee was published.
He has not been a member of the party's group since late 2022, after the standards commissioner began his investigation. The event itself took place in the summer of 2021.
The standards commissioner, Douglas Bain, found that Mr ab Owen had inappropriately touched two women on a night out with Plaid Cymru staff and other MSs, and swore at them.
His investigation was considered by the standards committee of the Senedd, which recommended a 42-day suspension.
'I had too much to drink'
In an emotional speech, delivered remotely because of a family illness, he said he wanted to apologise to those affected by his behaviour, to his family, to colleagues in the Senedd and the public.
"Simply, I have let you all down.
"My behaviour on the night in question fell far short of the standard expected of a public official.
"I had too much to drink that night and I behaved badly. I accept responsibility for my behaviour and the consequences of that behaviour."
But Mr ab Owen said a complaint was made on 1 July 2022 and "over 20 months have gone by".
Mr ab Owen said one individual - referring to the standards commissioner Douglas Bain - "should not be the investigator and finder of fact".
"This is especially the case when there is no way to challenge and appeal the process, other than a judicial review that could cost six figures to pursue."
Breaking into tears, he added: "I would like to thank my wife and family for the love and support."
'Longest exclusion proposed to date'
Standards committee chairwoman Vikki Howells said: "The recommendation is the longest exclusion proposed to date by a Senedd standards committee and it reflects the seriousness of the breach of the code of conduct and the committee's determination to uphold that fundamental principle of respect.
"The Senedd must be a safe and inclusive workplace where everybody is treated equally.
"Those working for, and serving members, should not feel that they must tolerate behaviour that is not acceptable."
The BBC understands much of the committee's time had been taken with dealing with legal issues raised by Mr ab Owen.
In response to Mr ab Owen's criticism, Ms Howells added: "The committee considered the member's criticisms carefully and has set out its view in our report.
"Were the committee not satisfied we would have rejected the commissioner's findings as a whole."
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