Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

IPPG cover blown

Published

on

• Deputy Leader used Council I.T. for “party political purposes”
• Standards Committee to decide punishment

cover blown

CLAIMS that the ruling IPPG and its predecessor IPG are not organized as a political party lie in shreds as a hard-hitting investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales lays bare the extent to which the discredited IPPG administration used Council computer facilities to co-ordinate its election campaigns.

Under its old title of the IPG, the current and former Council leadership used tax-payer funded facilities to run its campaigns and produce its election literature. In a breach of the statutory Code of Conduct governing Council members, Deputy Leader of the Council Rob Lewis has admitted using Council computers and infrastructure to both produce election literature and plan election campaigns for the elections that took place in both 2008 and 2012.

A detailed Ombudsman’s report is to be considered by the Council’s Standards Committee next Tuesday, March 18. The members of the Committee carry out a statutory function to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by Members and Co-opted Members of the County Council and Members of all Community Councils in Pembrokeshire. While the Council’s Code of Conduct permits political groups to use Council I.T. infrastructure to co-ordinate their actions for the efficient transaction of Council business, it does not allow Councillors – for obvious reasons – to use the same technology to produce their own election literature, co-ordinate election campaigns, or access Council data for party political ends.

Councillor Lewis is quoted in the report as saying that he could not justify the use of the Council’s computer system and said, “… I’m obviously wrong, I know that.”

His admission flies in the face of repeated public pronouncements by the IPPG leadership that they are genuinely independent, and do not operate as a political party. It reveals that at the last two elections – at least – the Pembrokeshire electorate have been actively deceived by those seeking their vote on the basis that they are not affiliated to a party group.

In 2008, then IPG Leader John “Cwmbetws” Davies told the local media:

“The IPG is a coalition of individuals who have established a group to allow the county council to be administered by the majority of the membership of the council. This clearly reflects the wishes of the voters of our county.”

Documents considered by the Ombudsman demonstrate that current Cabinet spokesperson for Education, Ken Rowlands, appeared on a list of IPG certainties in an IPG strategy document produced in April 2008 when the self-proclaimed “voice of Johnston” has strongly asserted elsewhere that he only chose to join the IPG AFTER the subsequent election.

The extent of the deception perpetrated by the IPG hierarchy and its camp followers is exposed by the fact that in 2012 only 14 of the 31 candidates who were already members of the IPG chose to use the word “independent” in the description box on the ballot paper, while the other 17 opted to leave it blank.

Having been caught out by the fact that the documents co-ordinating campaign strategy for the allegedly “Independent” Political Group were traced to his Council computer and log-in, Cllr Lewis seems to have tried to deflect blame and criticism. The way in which he elected to do so was by repeatedly criticising the conduct of members, who had revealed and publicised the way in which he and the IPG had deceived the Pembrokeshire electorate. The Ombudsman’s report contains a number of emails by Cllr Lewis sent to the Ombudsman apparently complaining that Cllrs Mike Stoddart and Jacob Williams were making use of what he refers to as “stolen data” to reveal on their websites the extent to which he, now-retired Councillor David Wildman, and the IPG had broken Council rules.

The Ombudsman’s investigator evidently gave short shrift to Cllr Lewis’ complaints, as no criticism of either Councillors Stoddart or Williams is made in his report. The allegations made against those Councillors appear to be more founded in their revelation of the extent of the lies told – whether actively or by omission – by the IPG and their candidates to their electors.

Mike Stoddart told The Herald:

“The simple fact is that the party of government used taxpayer-funded facilities to promote their election campaign. Put another way, they found a way to use taxpayers’ money to undermine the principle of free and fair elections which we all value.”

Notwithstanding his admission that he breached the Code of Conduct, Cllr Lewis has asserted – contrary to the findings of the Ombudsman – that he has not breached the Code of Conduct by using the Council’s I.T. to produce strategy documents. This is a potentially revealing insight into the attitude of the IPG, as Cllr Lewis appears to have confused the transaction of IPG electoral business with the permitted transaction of internal Council political business.

Such is the overwhelming nature of the evidence against Cllr Lewis that the disputed documents read in context underline the extent of his wrongdoing and that of the IPG as a whole. Furthermore, as the breaches do not require guilty intent to be proved, it remains to be seen what the Standards Committee make of Cllr Lewis’ unrepentant stand on this subject and what finding of fact they make in relation to it.

In January, Council Vice-Chairman Tom Richards – a member of the IPPG – recused himself from sitting in judgement on the basis he was identified as a candidate in some of the documents. Cllr Stanley Hudson also recused himself on the basis of his close personal association with the original complainant to the Ombudsman, Cllr David Bryan. The members of the Committee making a decision next week will therefore be lay members Messrs Ian Williams, David Morgan and Andre Morgan and Community Councillor and Haverfordwest solicitor, Mr George Allingham.

While the part of January’s meeting dealing with Councillor Lewis was held in private, the publication of the Ombudsman’s report and detailed documents should militate against the public being excluded on Tuesday.

The members have the power to censure a member, or suspend or partially suspend a member for a period not exceeding 6 months. The maximum penalty available to the Adjudication Panel for Wales is five years’ disqualification from office.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will carry a detailed report of the Committee proceedings next week.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Rugby Weekly – Tenby’s promotion push continues

Published

on

It’s crunch time for all rugby clubs around the county, whether promotion is their aim or fighting relegation or even just trying to improve their league position, it’s now or never. 

Last weekend saw an important win for Fishguard in division two west which should put any relegation fears to bed completely. James Griffiths added an impressive 18 points for the Seagulls as they defeated Nantgaredig 33-19. 

Elsewhere in the second division, Milford were beaten 32-8 by a good Lampeter outfit. The Mariners are still a little too close for comfort with the drop zone but should have enough quality to see them safe. 

At the other end of the table Tenby sit in second place and have played fewer games than leaders St Clears and third place Lampeter. They won impressively again last weekend, beating Pontyberem 64-19 at Haywood Lane. Fletcher Broadhurst impressed with two tries as did Hywel Baker who also grabbed himself a brace. Another excellent performance in an outstanding season so far in which promotion would be the absolute icing on the cake. 

In Division Three West, Pembroke were well beaten by Laugharne 74-15 in which the outstanding Liam Price and Nico Setaro both crossed the whitewash 4 teams a piece. The latter also added 7 successful conversions. 

There was a local derby at Pill Parks where Llangwm hosted Pembroke Dock Quins and it was an exciting clash. The visitors won narrowly 28-23, Craig Barnett and Gethin Bradney both scored two tries for the Quins. The Wasps battled hard and will be proud of their performance, Gethin Thomas impressed for the hosts with two tries of his own but it wasn’t enough to secure the points. 

St David’s hosted the high flying Cardigan outfit and were unable to score in reply to the visitors 20 points, with it ending 20-0. The Saints however won’t be losing too much sleep over it as they have had a great season so far. 

Continue Reading

Business

Stephen Crabb leads inquiry on retaining community bank services  

Published

on

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, and Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee Stephen Crabb is leading an inquiry in Parliament that will investigate the closure of high street banks in Wales, as well as access to cash.

In November 2023, Pembrokeshire saw the closure of Lloyds Bank in St Davids, and in the coming months both Barclays Bank and Halifax in Haverfordwest are set to close. In recent years, Wales has experienced a rapid decline in the number of high street banking services available to the public. Already in 2024, 23 high street bank closures have been announced in Wales, while automated teller machines (ATMs) declined by nearly a quarter between 2018 and 2023.

The Committee willconsider how declining high street banking services are impacting vulnerable people and small businesses across Wales, who are often more reliant on cash than digital banking. It will also examine how Wales is being affected by the loss of high street bank services, and whether the problem is worse in Wales than other parts of the UK.

Mr Crabb is a staunch advocate for retaining community banking facilities, especially in rural communities like Pembrokeshire where many local branches remain the only source of face-to-face banking provision for miles.

Recently Mr Crabb challenged Barclays Bank senior management on their decision to close the bank branch in Haverfordwest– a move that will see Barclays not only pull out of the county town, but means they won’t have a branch left anywhere in Pembrokeshire. He has also engaged with LINK – the UK’s largest cash machine network – and continues to campaign on the basis that a Banking Hub is established and that ATM machines should be retained or installed, especially in areas worst affected by the closures.  

Following the launch of the inquiry, MP Crabb added: “It is really sad to see so many banks across Wales closing as online banking grows in popularity. Despite the advantages of online banking, for a rural community with an ageing population like Pembrokeshire, bank branches hold huge importance as they offer face-to-face customer service.”

“I am acutely aware of the inconvenience that the bank closures locally have already caused following hundreds of replies from constituents to my ‘online banking survey’ ”

“I am looking forward to gathering further evidence on this subject through the committee’s inquiry, and will continue to put pressure on the relevant stakeholders to ensure that adequate alternative provisions are made through the establishment of banking hubs as well as the instalment of ATM machines where necessary.”

“In this inquiry, we are particularly keen to hear from those likely to be directly affected by the shift away from cash and physical banks. I encourage anyone with first-hand experience of losing banking services to give evidence to the Committee”

Continue Reading

Business

Trains resume between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock as works end

Published

on

TRAIN services resumed this morning (Thursday 28 March) after ten days of essential round-the-clock work to upgrade track and drainage between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock.

The railway was closed from Monday 18 March to Wednesday 27 March to allow Network Rail teams to replace more than 200 metres of track and 300 tonnes of ballast (track stones) between Pembroke station and Pembroke Dock.

Work to improve the drainage between Narbeth and Kilgetty stations was also completed at the same time.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “This essential work in Pembrokeshire demonstrates our commitment to improving the reliability of the service we provide to passengers along our route.

“We know that replacing the track can be disruptive and very noisy, so I would like to thank the residents of Pembroke for their patience while our team carried out this crucial work.”

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales said: “We’re pleased that our colleagues in Network Rail have completed this essential work and that Transport for Wales rail services resumed today.

“We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this work has progressed and look forward to welcoming passengers back in time for the Easter weekend.”

Continue Reading

Business7 hours ago

Stephen Crabb leads inquiry on retaining community bank services  

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, and Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee Stephen Crabb is leading an inquiry in Parliament that...

News18 hours ago

Police ask motorists to avoid A44 trunk road due to heavy snowfall

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued an appeal to motorists to avoid a 25 mile section of the A44 trunk road between...

Crime1 day ago

Woman will quit the booze after seeing shocking drunken video in court

A HAVERFORDWEST woman this week vowed to undertake ‘a complete alcohol abstinence’ after being shown court video footage of her...

News2 days ago

Family heartbroken by loss of ‘larger than life character’ in M4 crash

THE FAMILY of the man who died in a collision on the M4 motorway say ‘he will be greatly missed...

Business2 days ago

Victory for WASPI women but the fight goes on

A LANDMARK ruling by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman could benefit around 5,000 women in Ceredigion born in the...

Entertainment5 days ago

A night to remember: Symphonica Tywi’s ‘Film Fantastics’ was a triumph

ON SATURDAY (Mar 23), Haverfordwest High School was ablaze with the soaring melodies and dramatic scores of some of cinema’s...

News5 days ago

Memorial for all those affected by Covid-19 unveiled at County Hall

A LASTING tribute for Pembrokeshire loved ones lost during the Covid-19 pandemic and those working on the frontline has been...

Top News5 days ago

Princess of Wales announces cancer diagnosis and treatment

CATHERINE, the Princess of Wales, has shared her recent health struggles with the public, revealing a diagnosis that has sent...

Charity7 days ago

RNLI lifeguards back on patrol in Pembrokeshire for the Easter Holidays

RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol once again in Pembrokeshire ahead of the Easter holidays. This Saturday, 23 March 2024,...

Community7 days ago

Neglected Pembrokeshire poodles find their forever homes 

THIRTY poodle type dogs were in total rescued after they were found in an unsuitable environment where their owner also...

Popular This Week