North Wales Council Leader Apologizes for Unforgivable Crimes of Paedophile Head Teacher

A North Wales council leader is “deeply sorry” to all the victims of a paedophile head teacher who committed “unforgivable crimes”.  Dyfrig Siencyn issued the apology to Neil Foden’s victims and their loved ones as he confirmed he would be stepping down as Cyngor Gwynedd leader.
Councillor Siencyn said the former Ysgol Friars head’s “horrific” abuse would remain at the “forefront of my mind”.  He confirmed he was stepping down as Plaid Cymru leader this morning and he has now notified the Cyngor Gwynedd chairman of his decision to step down from his role as the authority’s leader.
His resignation comes a week after four members of his cabinet quit over Cllr Siencyn’s initial failure to say sorry to the victims of paedophile head teacher Neil Foden. Foden, 66, from Old Colwyn was sentenced to 17 years in prison for sexually abusing four girls between 2019 and 2023, who attended the  Bangor secondary school.
More people have come forward with allegations of abuse dating as far back as 1979 with around 20 potential victims.
Councillor Siencyn said: “It has been a privilege and an honour to lead Cyngor Gwynedd over the past seven years. I wish to express my sincere thanks to my fellow Cabinet members, elected members of all political groups and to Council staff for their friendship, commitment and tireless work for the people and communities of the county.
“I am also indebted to the other north Wales council leaders for their support for my work as chair of the North Wales Ambition Board and the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee. I also pay tribute to my fellow leaders of all political parties in the Welsh Local Government Association for their commitment to local government.
“I look back with pride at what we have achieved here at Cyngor Gwynedd over the past seven years. In particular, pioneering work has been done to secure homes for local people and to better manage second homes within the county; we have invested significantly in school buildings; UNESCO status has also been secured for our slate areas, resulting in significant funding which will bring new prosperity to these communities.
“It is also important to remember the heroic work done by the army of staff from across the council, partners from the third sector, volunteers and communities to support the people of Gwynedd through the Covid crisis.
“I am also pleased that Cyngor Gwynedd has taken decisive action to safeguard our most vulnerable residents from the devastating effects of the cost of living crisis, while at the same time protecting key services from wave after wave of budget cuts.”
He then touched on the issue which ultimately led to his resignation: “I must acknowledge that this most recent period – and the horrific information which has come to light about the unforgivable crimes of the paedophile Neil Foden – has been the most challenging for the council as an authority and for myself as leader.
“I am deeply sorry for the pain the victims and their families have gone through at the hands of this man, and they remain at the forefront of my mind.”
Councillor Beca Roberts, Chair of Cyngor Gwynedd, said: “I pay tribute to Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn for his work in leading the council since 2017 and for being a strong and consistent voice for Welsh-speaking and rural communities regionally and nationally.
“I thank him for his friendship, experience and unwavering leadership over the years. I am sure he will have a further contribution to make to the work of the council and to the public life of Wales in future.”
Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn will also step down from his role as chair of Ambition North Wales Board, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) Finance sub-group and co-chair of the Wales Rural Forum. In accordance with the council’s constitution, elected members will choose a new Leader at a meeting of the full council in due course.
In the meantime, deputy leader of the council, Councillor Nia Jeffreys will take over the duties of leader on an interim basis until permanent arrangements have been made.
Siân Gwenllian and Mabon ap Gwynfor represent Gwynedd in the Senedd, and Liz Saville Roberts represents Dwyfor Meirionnydd at Westminster have all thanked him for his service.
Sian Gwenllian said “I wish to thank him most sincerely for his persistence and vision for improving the lives and communities of Gwynedd.”
Liz Saville Roberts said she would “miss him on a deeply personal level” adding ” “ Dyfrig Siencyn has been a steadfast leader for Gwynedd since 2017 in the face of immense challenges.”
Whilst Mabon ap Gwynfor added “The people and communities of Gwynedd, their welfare and their future were at the heart of everything he did.”

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter