Mr Justice Peter Smith ruled that the dispute was going on too long and needed a resolution.

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Shortly after Mr Smith's demotion Peter Tatchell, a prominent campaigner on gay and lesbian issues, described the trust's actions as "excessive".

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Peter Vicary-Smith said Mr Browne's unique position was a "golden opportunity" to transform the sector.

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Mr Smith was certainly the favourite to succeed Peter Hain, seen as the man from the next generation of Welsh Labour who would take the fight to the Wales Office.

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