Cllr Peter Hay compares himself to Jesus, considers formal complaint against vicar over Civic Service clash

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL has been thrown into further controversy after leaked emails revealed Mayor Cllr. Peter Hay comparing himself to Jesus, accusing critics of lacking Christian values, and preparing to lodge a formal complaint against local vicar Rev. Alan Chadwick.

The row centres on a Civic Service held on Sunday, July 6, during which the mayor delivered a controversial speech. The address was later condemned by Cllr. David K. Devauden as a “sick diatribe of hatred.” In an email circulated to all councillors, Cllr. Devauden called for Cllr. Hay’s resignation, accusing him of causing “stress and distress” to colleagues and the public. He went further, writing: “You’re not fit to hold your trousers up, let alone the office of representing the people of Neyland.”

Former councillor Brian Rothero has backed the call for resignation. Both Devauden and Rothero are themselves currently subject to tribunal proceedings over alleged breaches of the Councillor Code of Conduct.

Mayor compares critics to Sunday Christians

Now, a leaked email chain and accompanying letter — obtained by The Pembrokeshire Herald — shows Cllr. Hay defending his conduct and presenting his speech as a matter of conscience and faith.

In a letter addressed to Neyland Ladies Choir — which the mayor claims he handed over after the service but which members say was never received — he writes: “Throughout my speech, I am sure the person supporting me most, ‘having my back’, would have been Jesus.”

He continues: “May I suggest those who felt uncomfortable with my speech taking place in the church have a short contemplation with their Christian lifestyle.”

“So church is just somewhere to go and look posh on a Sunday, is it? I don’t think Jesus would be agreeing with you.”

Cllr. Hay adds that “nothing in my speech was untrue,” and argues it “needed to be said. And heard. And yes, ‘in my Father’s House’. Where better?”

The letter ends with the mayor vowing to “stand up for ‘right’ and ‘justice’.”

Formal complaint to Bishop considered

In the same leaked email chain, dated July 29, the mayor accuses Rev. Alan Chadwick of acting in a manner he found “grossly offensive” during the Civic Service. He claims that although Rev. Chadwick was sent a draft of the speech a week before the event, the vicar told him — just before the service began — that he had “chosen not to open” the email.

Cllr. Hay writes: “Never did I think I would be writing to the Bishop to make an official complaint against the vicar.”

He also questions whether Rev. Chadwick should be involved in the upcoming VJ-Day commemoration on August 15, suggesting a simpler wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial “without him.”

Unusually, the email was not only sent to councillors but also copied to external parties, including a local NHS official — raising questions about the mayor’s judgment and the breadth of his audience.

Public walkout and letter of shame

The Herald understands that several attendees walked out of the July 6 service, disturbed by the mayor’s remarks.

“They slammed the doors behind them”, one witness said.

At the most recent town council meeting, a letter was reportedly read aloud — or submitted — expressing public shame at the council’s behaviour.

The letter stated: “What was meant to be a respectful civic occasion was turned into something divisive and distressing.”

Cllr. Hay has so far declined to comment publicly. However, the leaked correspondence paints a picture of a mayor casting himself in a moral and spiritual light, accusing others — including a church official — of failing to uphold Christian values.

Response awaited

The Pembrokeshire Herald has contacted Neyland Town Council Clerk, Libby Matthews, who confirmed the mayor has been given the opportunity to comment.

At the time of going to press, no response had been received.

NFU CYMRU will hold its fifth annual Sustainable Farming Conference on Wednesday, 3rd September, celebrating the vital role Welsh farmers play in food production, environmental stewardship and rural community life.

The event, titled Growing Forward – Advances in Sustainable Farming, will take place at Ffrith Farm, Mold, by kind permission of the Swan family. The 250-acre mixed farm—home to an award-winning farm shop established in 2003—produces high-quality beef, pork and free-range eggs. As well as hearing from leading experts, attendees will be taken on a guided tour of the farm and shop to see sustainable farming in action.

NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “At this time of unprecedented change for farming in Wales, with the Sustainable Farming Scheme launching in 2026, this event is about showcasing farming’s essential contribution to the economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of Wales.

“Delegates can expect a packed programme of expert speakers and practical insights, highlighting the latest developments in sustainable agriculture and rural research. We are very grateful to the Swan family for hosting this year’s event.”

The conference will feature keynote contributions from:

• Professor Iain Donnison, Head of the Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS)
• Dr Alastair Leake, Director of Policy, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
• Professor Janet Dwyer, Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire
• Supply chain insights will also be provided by:
• Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture, M&S Food
• Dr Julie Finch, Agriculture Governance & Compliance Manager, Kepak Group
• Ben Williams, Sustainability Manager, Leprino

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Economy, Energy and Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, will outline his party’s vision for sustainable farming in Wales.

A farmer panel will bring grassroots perspectives to the discussion, including:

• Host farmer Ed Swan
• Beef and sheep farmer Jessica Williams
• NFU Cymru Livestock Champion Mathew Roberts
• Clwyd County Chair and dairy farmer David Williams

The event begins at 9:30am and is free to NFU Cymru members and stakeholders. Lunch will be provided, and attendees are asked to inform organisers of any dietary requirements when registering.

To book a place, visit the NFU Cymru website or call 01982 554200. For more information or to view a profile of the host farm, please refer to the website.

Plaid Cymru pushed into second as voters choose change

CARMELO COLASANTO has been elected as the new county councillor for the Llangennech ward, in a second major by-election win for Reform UK in Carmarthenshire this year.

The by-election was held on Thursday (Aug 7) following the death of long-serving councillor Gary Jones. Colasanto secured a clear victory, receiving 694 votes—well ahead of Plaid Cymru candidate Richard Talog Jones, who came second with 489 votes.

Welsh Labour’s Jordan Sargent took third place with 380 votes, followed by Justin Griffiths for the Welsh Liberal Democrats with 26, Edward Evans for the Welsh Conservatives with 14, and Wayne Erasmus for Gwlad with just 6 votes.

The result follows Reform UK’s earlier breakthrough in the Lliedi ward in May, when Michelle May Beer became the party’s first-ever county councillor in Wales. Beer, who won that contest with 568 votes, was present at Thursday’s count and congratulated Colasanto on his victory.

The Llangennech result is being seen as another significant step for Reform UK in west Wales, signalling growing dissatisfaction with the traditional parties and a shift in political mood.

Turnout was 39.37%.

The Herald understands that Colasanto’s campaign focused on local concerns about infrastructure, policing, and the cost of living—an approach that resonated strongly with many voters.

Carmarthenshire County Council has confirmed the result and updated its records to reflect the new composition of the chamber.

The late Gary Jones was remembered fondly by members of all parties during the count, with tributes paid to his years of service to the community.