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| Richard Parry Jones. Getting out before the going gets hot! |
So, apart from his increasing bumblingness, what has prompted the retirement?
Well, it's about as clear as a crystal vase: his council is going to cease to exist, he's of an age where sensible people should let go, and why would he want the hassles of managing an authority merger?
Anglesey is one of the intransigent and donkey-like councils that doesn't want to save public money by amalgamating as Leighton Andrews is hell-bent on ensuring will happen.
Despite this, Parry Jones has been very busy, I gather from insiders, talking to Cardiff about how an amalgamation might proceed. In this, at least Parry Jones has the sense to see the writing on the wall. Not that the elected councillors will give up their £27,000 a year 'allowances' without a fight.
It's clear that Anglesey is going to be forced to merge with Gwynedd, come what may. Andrews is already flat out on extending his legal powers to prevent what he calls "negative behaviours" (i.e., obstinacy) on the part of senior council officers in trying to obstruct the merger process through contract deals, for example.
I would wish Parry Jones a happy retirement, except that, as soon as his massive pension is being paid in, he'll no doubt be off on lucrative committee memberships, directorships and so on. So, I'll bid the good luck to Leightnon Andrews, who needs all he can get in fighting the lead-weighted footdragging of Wales' local government parasites.
