THE leader of Cyngor Gwynedd has resigned from his role at the head of the Plaid group after a row over his failure to initially apologise to the victims of a paedophile headteacher.

Dyfrig Siencyn’s resignation comes a week after four members of his council’s cabinet quit.

That was in response to their leader’s initial failure to say sorry to the victims of paedophile head teacher Neil Foden.

Foden, a former headteacher of Ysgol Friars in Bangor, was sentenced to 17 years in jail for sexually abusing four children between 2019 and 2023. A BBC Wales Investigates recently revealed allegations of abuse from as far back as 1979 with around 20 potential victims.

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Clllr Siencyn had later said he was sorry for “all those who suffered” and would consider his own “situation” over the weekend.

 

Neil Foden. Image: PA

Neil Foden. Image: PA

 

A statement released by Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Group Chair, Cai Larsen, today said: “Following discussions at Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Councillors Group meeting yesterday (Wednesday, October 16,) the group leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn, offered his resignation to members. His resignation was accepted.

“All group members wish to express their sincere gratitude to Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn for his work and dedication as leader over the past seven years. We wish him well for the future.

“The election of a new leader for the Group will take place, in due course, in accordance with our normal procedure and processes.”

He currently remains leader of Cyngor Gwynedd.