THE leader of Pembrokeshire County Council has denied the situation the authority finds itself in with the Wales Audit Office and potential unlawful payments to the chief executive is a ‘shambles or embarrassing’.

Cllr Jamie Adams also underlined that he had no intention to step down despite calls from members of Plaid Cymru and the Conservative party to do so.

Cllr Adams told the Western Telegraph today (Thursday): “With regards the Audit Office, a few simple procedures would mean that we would meet with their requirements and should be able to move ahead as we hoped.”

He said that auditor, Anthony Barrett, required further information but the council was not currently in a position to provide it.

“We are reflecting on the view of the Audit Office. There are a number of considerations the council has to make; not least we have to ensure the council is not put at any financial risk.

"When we are in a position that that financial risk is minimised we can move forward,” added Cllr Adams, who refused to clarify what he meant, saying it would be inappropriate to go into details.

When asked if the situation could be considered a ‘shambles’ Cllr Adams said: “I’m not aware I would use that terminology. From what the auditor has told me, that word has not been used.”

He was also asked if the row rumbling on about the chief executive’s settlement was embarrassing for the council.

Cllr Adams answered: “No, because the council has followed its legal advice, we referred the matter to the Audit Office two days prior to the council meeting and it’s only now the auditor has come forward with his view.”

He said he found it “highly amusing” that Plaid leader Cllr Michael Williams had called for his resignation after he had been involved in the appointment of Mr Parry-Jones and had not attended the meeting where his pay settlement had been approved.

“If I handed in my resignation every time Michael Williams called for it… I’ve no interest in engaging in that sort of behaviour.”

Cllr David Bryan has also echoed Cllr Williams call. Cllr Adams asked: “On what basis?”

“We have had some very strong legal advice in regards to employment law. We’ve taken that advice and made a decision on it,” he added.

Cllr Adams also reiterated his belief that Cllr Paul Miller wanted the situation to “run and run” for the benefit of his political campaign, an allegation strongly denied by Cllr Miller.

When asked about the high number of people who thought Cllr Miller was the only one to get anything done about perceived problems with the chief executive, Cllr Adams said that was a “misguided view”.

“The vast majority of people in the county recognise that Paul Miller is interested in nothing but his own personal political campaigning,” he added.