News

Free speech upheld as Ombudsman dismisses complaint against councillor

Published

1 year ago

March 17, 2025

A COMPLAINT lodged by Pembrokeshire councillor Alan Dennison against a fellow councillor has been firmly dismissed by the Ombudsman, reaffirming the right to free political speech.

***Cllr Alan Dennison: Said Cllr Stoddart brought office of a councillor into distribute***

Cllr Dennison, a member of the Independent Political Group (IPG), had accused another councillor—Cllr Mike Stoddart—of bringing the office of councillor into disrepute and holding a prejudicial interest during a recent Planning Delegation Panel (PDP) meeting. However, the Ombudsman ruled that the complaint had no substance, confirming that the comments in question were protected under freedom of expression laws.

The dispute stems from recent exchanges on the Pembrokeshire Council Watch (PCW) Facebook page, where criticism was levelled at the IPG’s role in pushing through a 9% council tax increase on March 6. Cllr Dennison was reportedly unhappy with Cllr Stoddart’s scrutiny of the deal between the IPG and the council cabinet, which resulted in the tax hike.

Matters escalated when Cllr Dennison challenged Cllr Stoddart over his own stance on the budget. The councillor had supported a 7.5% increase proposed by the Conservatives but did not put forward an alternative budget himself—something Dennison took issue with. However, Cllr Stoddart pointed out that the IPG had similarly voted down a 12.5% increase in 2024 without proposing their own budget, branding the criticism as hypocrisy.

PLANNING PANEL DISPUTE

The rift deepened following a PDP meeting where Cllr Dennison sought to move a planning application for Imperial Hall Ltd on Hamilton Terrace from delegated powers to full committee scrutiny. The request was unusual as it would typically be made by the local councillor, Cllr Terry Davies, who had a declared prejudicial interest in the matter.

Cllr Stoddart, who also sat on the PDP, raised concerns over Cllr Dennison’s role, noting that he was listed as an employee of Imperial Hall Ltd on his councillor register of interests. Planning officers responded that his employment had ended some time ago but had not been updated on the register.

Shortly after the Facebook exchanges, Cllr Stoddart says he received an email from the Ombudsman’s office informing him of a formal complaint filed by Cllr Dennison regarding his conduct at the PDP meeting. The complaint had two parts: first, that Cllr Stoddart had a prejudicial interest due to a past electoral contest against Imperial Hall’s director Lee Bridges, and second, that his comments about the PDP process were inappropriate.

The Ombudsman dismissed both elements of the complaint, ruling that participating in the same election nearly three years ago did not establish a prejudicial interest. The decision also reaffirmed that political speech is protected under the Human Rights Act 1998, shielding councillors from attempts to silence debate.

HISTORIC FREE SPEECH CASE

This latest case draws parallels with a landmark legal battle fought by former councillor Malcolm Calver, who was reprimanded in 2015 for criticising Manorbier Community Council’s handling of a grant-related survey. Despite his statements being factually accurate, he was found to have brought the office into disrepute.

Refusing to accept the decision, Calver took the matter to the High Court, where Justice Beatson ruled that his comments, while ‘mocking and sarcastic,’ fell under the legal protection of political speech. The ruling reinforced that elected representatives and senior council officers should expect robust scrutiny.

The case, now known as Calver v Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, has since been cited in legal studies on freedom of expression.

The tradition of defending free speech in Pembrokeshire dates back even further. The Tenby Observer played a crucial role in securing press access to council meetings, following a legal challenge against Tenby Corporation in the early 1900s. Though the challenge was unsuccessful, it led to the passing of the Local Authorities (Admission to Meetings) Act 1908, ensuring greater transparency in local government.

A WIN FOR DEMOCRATIC DEBATE

Following the Ombudsman’s ruling, Cllr Stoddart, who has written a column about the matter, has framed the failed complaint as an attempt to stifle legitimate scrutiny of the council’s decisions. He stated: “Nice try, but no cigar.”

The decision serves as a reminder that councillors must be prepared to face public accountability without resorting to complaints aimed at silencing debate.

Cover image:

Cllr Mike Stoddart: Cleared of any wrong doing by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales

News

Rhun ap Iorwerth to chair first meeting of new Welsh Government Cabinet

Published

11 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New First Minister says government will focus on waiting lists, jobs, education and child poverty

FIRST MINISTER Rhun ap Iorwerth will chair the first meeting of his new Welsh Government Cabinet today, setting out what he says will be an agenda based on action, openness and results.

The meeting marks the formal start of the new government’s programme, with ministers expected to focus on improving public services, supporting families and growing the Welsh economy.

Ahead of the meeting, Mr ap Iorwerth said his Cabinet would work as “one team” and avoid what he described as unnecessary duplication across government.

The First Minister said: “This is a government of action, a government for all, and a government of new ideas. The hard work has now started.

“Our focus is on the issues that matter most to people in every part of Wales – cutting waiting lists, supporting families with the cost of living, creating good jobs, raising standards in education and tackling child poverty.

“As First Minister, I am determined to end siloed working and unnecessary duplication across government. This Cabinet will work as one team, with ministers focused on delivering together in the interests of the people of Wales.

“We will lead with openness and purpose, building trust through practical action and visible outcomes.

“The people of Wales expect a government that listens, that stands up boldly for Wales, and that works together to get things done. That is exactly what this Cabinet is determined to deliver.”

The first Cabinet meeting will be closely watched as the new administration begins to turn election promises into policy, with pressure already mounting over NHS waiting times, household costs and the state of public services across Wales.

Local Government

Road resurfacing works welcomed after repeated pothole complaints

Published

13 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Castle ward councillor thanks residents for patience as long-running issue near St Thomas’ Green finally addressed

ROAD resurfacing works at St Thomas’ Green in Haverfordwest have been welcomed by local county councillor Thomas Tudor, who says a long-standing pothole problem near a bus shelter is finally being resolved.

Cllr Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward, said he was pleased to see progress being made on the improvements, particularly in an area that had required repeated repairs over time.

The works, being carried out by Pembrokeshire County Council and contractors, include resurfacing along part of the road close to the bus shelter near St Thomas’ Green.

Cllr Tudor said the pothole had been reported and repaired on numerous occasions before more permanent resurfacing work was approved.

He said: “As County Councillor for the Castle Ward, which includes St Thomas’ Green, I am pleased to see works progressing very well with the road resurfacing, in particular the area by the bus shelter which had a pothole which I have been reporting and having repaired numerous times.

“Many thanks to Pembrokeshire County Council and the various contractors involved and I would also like to apologise to the residents and thank them for their patience and understanding during these essential works.”

The resurfacing has caused some disruption to local traffic while work is underway, with temporary traffic management measures in place.

Residents have been thanked for their patience as crews complete the improvements, which are aimed at providing a safer and smoother road surface for motorists and pedestrians.

Photo caption:

Improvements underway: Cllr Thomas Tudor pictured at St Thomas’ Green as resurfacing works progress (Pic supplied)

News

Cefn Sidan retains Blue Flag status as one of Wales’ top beaches

Published

13 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CEFΝ Sidan has retained its place among the world’s best coastal locations after being awarded Blue Flag status in the Wales Coast Awards 2026.

The Carmarthenshire beach, located within Pembrey Country Park near Burry Port, has now received the prestigious award 38 times — more than any other beach in Wales.

Cefn Sidan was also the first beach in Wales to receive a Blue Flag when the awards were introduced in 1988.

The awards, announced by Keep Wales Tidy, recognise beaches that meet high standards for water quality, safety, facilities, environmental education and site management.

A total of 48 beaches across Wales were recognised this year, with 20 receiving Blue Flag status.

Cefn Sidan is an eight-mile sandy beach backed by dunes and forms part of Pembrey Country Park, one of Carmarthenshire’s major visitor attractions. The park also offers woodland walks, mountain bike trails, a dry ski slope, toboggan ride, crazy golf, train rides and a family campsite.

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy said: “We are delighted to see Cefn Sidan once again retaining its Blue Flag Award status and continuing to hold the title of the Welsh beach which has received the most Blue Flags.

“As Wales’ very first Blue Flag Award winner, we appreciate the ongoing commitment of everyone at Carmarthenshire County Council and Pembrey Country Park in ensuring Cefn Sidan meets the high standards needed to gain the Blue Flag Award.”

He added: “These awards recognise high and consistent standards and we would like to thank staff, volunteers and everyone else at sites across Wales who work so hard to protect and preserve our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances.

“All of these places are beautiful but seeing that flag flying means visitors can be assured that they are clean, safe and well-managed with excellent facilities too.”

Other Blue Flag beaches in west Wales include Llangrannog in Ceredigion, Saundersfoot, Tenby South and Poppit Sands in Pembrokeshire.

Thirteen Welsh beaches also received Green Coast Awards, including Mwnt and Penbryn in Ceredigion, Freshwater East and Manorbier in Pembrokeshire.