Management buyout plan to save Milford Haven refinery

A potential £300m deal for the refinery broke down last month

A management buyout is planned in a bid to save a closure-threatened oil refinery in Milford Haven.

The managing director of Murco Tom McKinlay has taken a leave of absence as part of the proposal for the Pembrokeshire plant.

A potential £300m deal including the refinery broke down last month leaving its future in jeopardy.

A task force was set up to try to prevent the closure and protect 400 jobs.

The refinery has been a major employer at the port since it opened in 1973.

Murco has confirmed that Mr McKinlay has left his position to avoid a conflict of interest.

Mr McKinlay is said to have announced the move to Murco employees on Friday.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart has said the refinery is "integral to the fabric of the oil and gas infrastructure in Wales and the Welsh economy".