Watchdog to hold review after investigator resigned

A senior barrister will lead an independent review into Wales' public services watchdog.

It follows the resignation of a former Public Services Ombudsman for Wales investigator, who faced accusations of political bias.

Sinead Cook allegedly made comments on social media including one that used offensive language about Conservatives.

The review's remit will include an examination of cases where Ms Cook and her team decided not to investigate.

The ombudsman's office investigates complaints made by the public about public bodies and councillors accused of breaking their code of conduct.

Its guiding principles include impartiality and independence.

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Ms Cook had been suspended on 29 March prior to her resignation. Up until summer 2023 she had managed the ombudsman's councillor code of conduct team.

Michelle Morris, the public services ombudsman for Wales, fully accepted the organisation had to "rebuild trust"

In a statement, the PSOW said: "Following the allegation of political bias made against a former officer of PSOW, the Ombudsman has (today) announced that an independent review will be conducted to provide assurance that its code of conduct processes are sound, free from political bias and that lessons are learned from what has happened."

The statement added that the Ombudsman, Michelle Morris, "fully accepts that PSOW now needs to rebuild trust in the work of the organisation on complaints against councillors".

The review will be led by James Goudie KC and is expected to report in the summer.

Conservative Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said last week that he had no confidence in either the watchdog or the Ombudsman and called for them to be replaced.

The Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd called for all cases in which Ms Cook had been involved to be re-examined.

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