Head of racial commission in Wales suspended

The head of the commission for racial equality in Wales has been
suspended over allegations of professional misconduct,
writes Alex Dobson.

Dr Mashuq Ally, who has led the commission in Wales for two
years, has not been at his desk for the last week, and is expected
to remain away from his £40,000 post for the next 20 days
while an internal inquiry is carried out.

A spokesperson for the commission said: “When an allegation is
brought there are 20 days to carry out the investigation, and at
the end of that process we have to determine whether there is a
case to answer and if it is concluded that there is, then the
matter will be considered by a disciplinary panel.”

Dr Ally, who is an expert in Islamic affairs, and had previously
been an academic at Lampeter University in Wales, was said to be
concerned and upset at his suspension.

While the investigation is ongoing, Andrew Housely a regional
commissioner in the West Midlands will take over Dr Ally’s
responsibilities.