A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 791 791: The Unexpected Shift in the Standing Committee

The noisy voices immediately quieted down.

In previous meetings, Dirk Carter typically said a few words symbolically, followed by Jabez Shaw continuing to speak at length, as the dignity of the primary leader had to be maintained.

But today, after saying the word "meeting," he didn't pause.

He continued, "Today, we've gathered to discuss something that's been put aside for a month. Do you all remember the issue concerning the corruption and bribery of Iris Baldwin from Northgate Town? About a month ago, Iris Baldwin escaped from the supervision of the Discipline Inspection Commission. To control the impact, this matter hasn't been reported to everyone..."

At this point, he looked at Franklin Ross and said, "Franklin, please tell everyone the details."

Franklin nodded.

He stood up.

He said, "After a thorough investigation by the Discipline Inspection Commission and the Supervisory Committee, we've found that the accusations of corruption and bribery against Iris Baldwin are not true; someone deliberately framed her. After tracing the source, it can be basically confirmed that the person who framed Iris Baldwin is Chairman of the People's Congress Darien Griffin. Therefore, the Discipline Inspection Commission has decided to report this situation to the higher People's Congress for confirmation."

Although the people present had already heard bits and pieces.

But when Franklin announced the handling decision.

Everyone was still somewhat shocked.

All eyes turned to Jabez Shaw.

It's important to know.

The entire officialdom of Helios County forms a community of interests.

Everyone is united around Jabez Shaw.

Darien Griffin is a right-hand man to Jabez Shaw, and now this kind of thing can't be settled, inevitably leading to some doubts.

Jabez Shaw anticipated this reaction.

He cleared his throat.

And said, "The mistake made by Darien Griffin is extremely serious, especially the rumors and slander against colleagues. In regard to such matters, I hope everyone here will take this as a warning and learn from it, and absolutely not make the same mistake."

At that moment.

Jabez Shaw wanted to tell everyone present.

Darien Griffin's trouble was not because of Iris Baldwin.

But because he had been indiscreet, involving himself with Brett Summers' woman, violating a major taboo.

But he couldn't say it.

If Brett Summers knew his "shameful deeds" were announced at the standing committee meeting, it would surely ignite Brett Summers' fury.

Which man doesn't care about face?

Especially someone like Brett Summers?

"Ahem..."

At this time.

Dirk Carter cleared his throat.

He said, "County Mayor Shaw is right, we all do not wish to see this incident happen, but since it has, we must address the issue. To minimize the impact, I suggest immediately reinstating Iris Baldwin's position. County Mayor Shaw, what do you think?"

Reinstating Iris Baldwin's position?

That's impossible.

If Iris Baldwin's position were truly reinstated.

For Jabez Shaw, that would be a negative signal.

His authority in Helios County would surely be shaken.

He snorted coldly, saying, "Secretary General Carter, your words are incorrect. Although Iris Baldwin was indeed wronged in this case, it is a fact that she escaped from the supervision of the Discipline Inspection Commission. Moreover, she has been missing for so long, shouldn't she give an explanation to the organization? Reinstating her original position is absolutely impossible."

These words were powerful and meaningful.

Setting the tone.

Franklin became anxious upon hearing them.

He was also involved in what Darien Griffin did to Iris Baldwin.

If he could carry news of reinstatement and even promotion to Iris Baldwin.

She might still have hope to relent.

If that condition is absent.

There's a chance Iris Baldwin might implicate him too.

Then wouldn't he be finished?

Pausing, he gulped down his saliva and said to Jabez Shaw, "County Mayor Shaw, I think Secretary General Carter is correct. Iris Baldwin was wronged in this matter, reinstating her original position is the most basic condition. The real issue lies with our Discipline Inspection Commission, not thoroughly investigating before arresting someone. In this matter, I'm willing to take responsibility."

After hearing this.

Jabez Shaw was dumbfounded.

He looked at Franklin in disbelief.

What's going on?

His loyal cadre, always following his lead, why suddenly change direction?

"Minister Dempsey, you are in charge of the Organization Department, how do you think this matter should be handled?"

Before Jabez could speak.

Dirk Carter asked Arsenio Dempsey.

Arsenio Dempsey pressed his lips.

After a moment of contemplation.

He said, "I also think Secretary General Carter's idea is correct, the purpose of our Party is not to let any bad person go, but also to never wrong a good person. It is true that Iris Baldwin escaped from the supervision of the Discipline Inspection Commission, but all this is premised on the fact that she was wronged. Since the arrest was already a mistake, her escape naturally doesn't stand."

Boom!

Another bombshell.

Arsenio Dempsey actually spoke in favor of Dirk Carter as well.

What's happening?

How could these two...

Not only was Jabez Shaw shocked.

The other standing committee members present were also momentarily at a loss.

Just overnight.

These two figures, holding real power within the standing committee, seemed to lean towards Dirk Carter?

"Secretary General Carter, I personally think that how to ultimately handle this matter must be carefully considered. Today's standing committee meeting is to discuss Darien Griffin's issues, as for how Iris Baldwin should be dealt with, we should first find her in person and then discuss it."

In the midst of silence.

Britt Ford spoke up.

Her words were entirely in favor of Jabez Shaw.

Once she finished speaking.

Jabez Shaw looked at Britt Ford with some gratitude.

Immediately said, "Deputy Secretary Ford is right, today's meeting mainly focuses on Darien Griffin, I hope Secretary General Carter doesn't deviate."

"Alright, in that case, let's discuss Iris Baldwin's issue later. County Mayor Shaw, do you have anything else? If not, we should adjourn..."

Dirk Carter asked.

Jabez Shaw, with a sullen face.

Shook his head.

Dirk Carter said, "Alright, then today's meeting is concluded, everyone may leave."

This meeting.

Jabez Shaw originally planned to show Dirk Carter a tough stance.

Unexpectedly, the situation flipped.

His two most capable assistants actually sided with Dirk Carter.

This left him somewhat puzzled.

Also distracted his thoughts.

Fortunately, at a crucial moment, Britt Ford stepped in to solve the dilemma, or else he would have suffered losses in this standing committee meeting.

As soon as the meeting was over.

Jabez Shaw had just stepped into his office when a knock on the door sounded. Looking up, it turned out Dirk Carter had followed him.

"Haha, Secretary General Carter, you really commanded the standing committee meeting today." Jabez Shaw said sarcastically.

Dirk Carter chuckled, walked straight in.

Sitting on the sofa, he said, "County Mayor Shaw, what are you saying? Aren't we all just getting things done?"