THE chief executive of Pembrokeshire County Council called a county councillor “the most evil b*****d in Pembrokeshire”, according to evidence given to a committee in private this week.

The Western Telegraph can reveal that Cllr Mike Stoddart – who has been a constant thorn in the side of the ruling Independent Plus Group and chief executive Bryn Parry-Jones – has now stepped down from the disciplinary committee looking into the conduct of Mr Parry-Jones.

The committee is examining “all matters of conduct, trust and confidence in the chief executive” following a series of controversies that have rocked County Hall over recent months.

Cllr Stoddart told the Western Telegraph today (Thursday): "Certain information revealed during last Monday's meeting of the committee led me to the conclusion that I could no longer expect the public to have confidence in my impartiality when dealing with matters concerning the Chief Executive."

The Hakin member, who blogs about council matters using the name Old Grumpy, said he could not elaborate further as the meeting was held in private.

But several sources have now confirmed to the Western Telegraph that according to evidence given to the committee, Mr Parry-Jones was alleged to have verbally abused Cllr Stoddart.

“He said Mike was the most evil b*****d in Pembrokeshire,” one source confirmed.

Another confirmed the phrase was used during the submission to committee members.

The leader of the Labour group, Cllr Paul Miller, is also said to have been a target of abuse.

Mr Parry-Jones is currently working from home after taking “a period of absence”.

The committee carries the power to suspend the chief executive for the purposes of investigating the alleged misconduct.

The committee can also include any grounds for dismissal on grounds of capability or “some other substantial reason, including a breakdown in trust and confidence between the relevant officer and the authority.”

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: "Given the specific nature of the proceedings the Committee is dealing with, and the fact that its work is already well underway, it would not be appropriate to replace any Councillor who withdraws from its membership."