A DEEPLY divided States heard accusations of malice and bullying as debate raged yesterday whether to sack its financial watchdog.

The Public Accounts Committee’s future still hangs in the balance today as members decide whether to back a motion of no confidence in it.

Deputy Graham Guille is leading the calls for it to go because committee members did not respond to questions in January’s debate on its corporate governance work with the Wales Audit Office aimed at improving how the States operates.

He and others voiced concerns that the committee’s chairman, Leon Gallienne (pictured), remained silent in the Chamber but spoke to the media afterwards in January.

But members have also broadened their arguments beyond the immediate terms of the motion, accusing the committee of poor political judgement and leadership in its handling of the review.

Deputy Gallienne’s own speech yesterday proved to be divisive and turned some members against his committee.

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