EX-MAYOR’S REPORT TO COPS OVER NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL BULLYING

A FORMER Neyland Mayor has reported Neyland Town Councillor David Devauden to the police following explosive allegations of bullying and harassment against the town’s Clerk, Libby Matthews.

The controversy stems from an article published by The Pembrokeshire Herald on February 7, which revealed the contents of an email sent by Cllr Devauden to the Clerk. The email, described as containing intimidating language, personal attacks, and a demand for resignation, has been widely condemned.

Former Neyland Mayor Andrew Lye, who resigned in 2023 amid what he described as a “toxic” council environment, has now taken action. He visited Haverfordwest Police Station with a copy of The Herald article and formally reported the matter, obtaining a Storm reference number as evidence.

A COUNCIL IN CRISIS

The scandal is the latest in a series of controversies to engulf Neyland Town Council, which has been dogged by allegations of misconduct, internal disputes, and division over the past two years. In June 2023, Lye stepped down following allegations of racism, antisemitism, and anti-Islamic sentiment from Cllr Brian Rothero, based on an old blog post regarding male circumcision. This matter, along with another complaint made by Cllr Steve Thomas alleging conspiracy and fraud, is currently being investigated by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

Lye’s removal from the mayoralty was particularly controversial due to the nature of the allegations. In a 2008 blog post, Lye questioned the necessity of religious circumcision, stating that if God “made man in his own image,” the practice seemed contradictory. This remark was later used by Cllr Rothero to claim Lye had engaged in antisemitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric, leading to his ousting.

The controversy drew national attention, with the National Secular Society (NSS) and the men’s health charity 15 Square publicly condemning the council’s decision to remove Lye. The NSS and 15 Square argued that the allegations against Lye were “baseless” and warned that punishing him for raising concerns about circumcision would create a chilling effect on free expression.

The charities pointed out that circumcision has been listed as a “harmful” practice by the United Nations and highlighted documented cases where children in the UK have suffered serious complications, including life-threatening haemorrhages and deformities. The NSS also referenced a 2018 YouGov poll in which 62% of the British public supported banning non-medical circumcision of boys.

PUBLIC OUTRAGE GROWS

Lye, angered by the contents of Devauden’s email, stated: “I was totally incensed by the words I read in the Herald article.” He referenced key parts of the email, which allegedly included the phrases “You’re a dead (wo)man walking”, “You’re not fit for purpose”, and comments about Matthews’ mental health and outside influences.

Commenting on the broader situation, Lye added: “The people of Neyland and the Town Council deserve better. The Town Clerk certainly does not deserve to be treated like this. Cllr Devauden should resign as a matter of urgency if just one word in that article is correct. He has brought the Town Council into disrepute.”

On social media, many Neyland residents have expressed outrage over the email’s contents, with some suggesting that all councillors should resign to allow for fresh elections. Lye noted that at the 2022 elections, only four councillors (himself included) were elected unopposed, while the remainder were appointed through co-option.

SILENCE FROM KEY COUNCILLORS

Lye also highlighted the notable silence from councillors Peter Hay, Mike Harry, Ash Phelan, and Ellen Phelan amid the ongoing crisis. However, he was quick to defend them against accusations of complicity, stating: “They have always fought for what is good for the town and the council. Because they were part of the complaints made to the Ombudsman, they have been effectively silenced from speaking out.”

The former mayor suggested that these councillors had been “treated appallingly” by others on the council, further deepening the divisions within Neyland’s leadership.

CALLS FOR REFORM AND ACCOUNTABILITY

As investigations continue, many are questioning whether Neyland Town Council is capable of governing effectively in its current state. Lye emphasized that he hopes the Ombudsman’s report will “finally bring accountability” to a council he believes has been failing for years.

“If the content of Devauden’s email is any indication of the wider culture within the council, then the people of Neyland, Pembrokeshire, and even Wales will be shocked when the Ombudsman’s findings are finally released.”

Lye lamented that, unlike health boards or county councils, there is no mechanism to place dysfunctional town or community councils under special measures. He stated that Neyland’s situation would likely justify such an intervention if it were possible.

POLICE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

While the matter is now in the hands of the police, it remains to be seen whether any legal action will follow. Under the Malicious Communications Act 2003, it is a criminal offence to send electronic communications that are “grossly offensive, indecent, threatening, or designed to cause distress.”

Lye has urged authorities to seize Cllr Devauden’s electronic devices to examine all communications between councillors over the past two years, arguing that the public would be shocked by what has been said behind closed doors.

“I am against evil and bullying, so I had to go to the police to report this possible crime. Neyland deserves better, and I want it to get back to doing what it should be doing – where everyone works together for the good of the town.”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

With the Ombudsman’s report expected in the near future, and the police investigation now officially logged, Neyland Town Council faces intense scrutiny. Calls for Cllr Devauden to resign are growing louder, while broader questions remain over whether Neyland’s governance structure can withstand the deep divisions that have plagued it for years.

For now, Neyland residents are left waiting to see what action—if any—will be taken to restore faith in their council.