Russell Three Jobs Roberts

12.00.00am GMT Fri 9th Jan 2009

Jan 8 2009 by Jonathan Evans, Pontypridd Observer

RHONDDA Cynon Taff Council leader Russell Roberts has been appointed interim chairman of the Cwm Taf NHS Trust.

The £42,000 post, which he will hold until the spring, is his third public role.

His positions as leader of RCT council and leader of the South Wales Police Authority netted him a total public pay packet of £82,425 in April last year making him the highest-paid councillor in Wales.

Cwm Taf confirmed the post merited an annual wage of £42,282 per annum.

Mike Powell, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats on RCT Council, said: "Being leader of the second largest authority in Wales with all the associated responsibilities and membership of local government bodies should, one would think, be a full-time job for anyone.

"Certainly being the highest paid councillor in Wales should be more than sufficient recompense.

"However, it seems Russell Roberts is not content with that. Instead he has to have a finger in another two very lucrative pies as well.

"The Labour Party in RCT seem to have scant regard for spending of public money - on themselves."

But Mr Roberts' Labour Cabinet colleague Eudine Hanagan said: "Russell Roberts' appointment as interim chair of Cwm Taf NHS Trust is a clear endorsement of his abilities and his strong leadership, which is taking this council from strength to strength.

"It is also a clear endorsement of the strong track record the council has demonstrated in working in partnership across the public sector, something which is delivering clear benefits in service provision."