A Welsh MP has called on the leader of beleaguered Carmarthenshire CC to make clear the terms and conditions of chief executive Mark James' gardening leave - following his decision to step down during a police investigation.

The news follows last Friday's announcement by Dyfed Powys Police that Gloucestershire Constabulary would lead an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Carmarthenshire's decision to pay Mr James and another senior colleague more than £50,000 in cash payments for opting out of Local Government Pension Scheme obligations.

Jonathan Edwards, constituency MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, demanded a police probe in the immediate aftermath of a Wales Audit Office report which found the council had acted unlawfully in allowing the opt-out as well as for indemnifying Mr James for a libel counterclaim brought by a local activist.

Mr James said the decision to temporarily step down with immediate effect would enable the police investigation to be conducted as quickly as possible and ‘avoid any perception of undue influence being brought to bear'.

Carmarthenshire leader, Cllr Kevin Madge confirmed deputy chief executive, Dave Gilbert, would act as interim chief executive until police had concluded their inquiries into the two Wales Audit Office public interest reports.

‘I welcome the police investigation which will give the public the assurance they deserve,' Cllr Madge said.

‘The auditor has not referred his reports to the police nor has he made any suggestions of any criminal wrongdoing, and I hope that the investigation can be concluded as quickly as possible in order for us as a council to move forward,' he added.

A full, frank and public debate would be held on 27 February, Cllr Madge added.

However, Mr Edwards, the constituency MP whose call sparked the police investigation said Cllr Madge needed to publish a statement regarding the terms and conditions of the chief executive's departure.

‘County residents need assurance that the chief executive is to have no contact with elected members or employees whilst this police investigation is ongoing, or to have access to any of the council's computer and telephone systems,' Mr Edwards added.

Adding to the political pressure, Assembly Members Rhodri Glyn Thomas condemned Carmarthenshire's political leadership for their slow response in taking a fortnight to act.

‘The fact it has taken a criminal investigation to make Labour sit up and think is a disgrace,' said Mr Thomas.

‘The executive board councillors who approved these unlawful decisions and have since continued to defend the indefensible should do the honourable thing and stand down,' he added.