First Minister Carwyn Jones today refused an invitation by Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood to condemn the £102,000 a year earned by the Labour leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council.
Leanne Wood raised the issue in questions to the First Minister less than a week after it was revealed that Russell Roberts raked in the six-figure salary from his five jobs, all funded on the public purse.
Leanne Wood said: “It must be hugely disappointing to people in RCT that the First Minister won’t condemn the five jobs and £100,000 salary earned by Russell Roberts. His refusal to condemn suggests Carwyn Jones is perfectly happy at the number of roles and pay of Russell Roberts. ”
Pauline Jarman, Plaid leader on RCT Council, said: “I’m sure a lot of people in Tonyrefail and across RCT struggling to pay their bills and keep a roof over their head would strongly disagree with the First Minister’s attitude.
“The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales has made it perfectly clear that council leaders and executive members are paid their allowances on the basis that a council leader’s job should be full time. How can Russell Roberts fulfill his main role when he has so many others?
“I know Allan Pritchard, the Plaid leader of Caerphilly council, only has one paid role – his job as leader.”
Plaid Cymru discovered that Councillor Roberts is paid by
- Rhondda Cynon Taf council
- South Wales Police Authority
- Cwm Taf Health Board
- The Welsh Local Government Association
- The English Local Government Association
