Councillor demands mayor’s resignation after ‘diatribe of hatred’ in chapel. Town Clerk responds as tribunal looms for accuser — mayor silent

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL has been plunged into fresh controversy after Councillor David K. Devauden issued a scathing email demanding the resignation of the town’s mayor, Cllr. Peter Hay, following remarks made during a civic chapel service.

The incident occurred on Sunday (July 6) during a service attended by council members, local dignitaries, Reverend Alan Chadwick, and representatives from community groups. According to Cllr. Devauden, the mayor’s address amounted to a “sick diatribe of hatred” which caused “stress and distress” to himself, two former councillors, and others in the community.

The Herald understands that several attendees were so offended by the mayor’s tone that they refused to stay for the refreshments afterwards. One source described the atmosphere as “toxic.”

In his email, sent to the full council and copied to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, Cllr. Devauden called on the mayor to publicly apologise on the council’s website and to resign both his ceremonial and elected roles, claiming he is “not fit to hold your trousers up let alone the office of representing the people of Neyland.”

Cllr. Devauden also accused the mayor of waging a longstanding campaign of personal attacks, citing an example where it was allegedly claimed that the Milford Town Band objected to his presence at a Remembrance Day parade — a claim the band later denied when contacted, he said.

“This email is like that light chilly buff of wind that is a sure sign a storm is on its way,” Cllr. Devauden wrote. “So go before you are blown away.”

In response, Neyland Town Clerk Libby Matthews replied to The Herald, copying Cllr. Hay into the correspondence to allow him the opportunity to comment. She also drew attention to ongoing tribunal proceedings against both Cllr. Devauden and former councillor Brian Rothero, who are listed by the Adjudication Panel for Wales as facing multiple alleged breaches of the Councillor Code of Conduct.

“I do feel this is very relevant to the story I am sure Cllr. Devauden is trying to spin,” she wrote. “I will be happy to clarify any facts on either side of the matter, should you have any particular allegations you would wish to understand the truth of.”

According to the Adjudication Panel’s website, Cllr. Devauden is scheduled to face a tribunal (reference APW/005/2024-025/CT) over alleged breaches of the Code, including failing to show respect and consideration, bringing the office into disrepute, and misusing his position. A date for the hearing has not yet been confirmed.

Former councillor Brian Rothero is also listed for an upcoming tribunal. In a statement to The Herald, Mr Rothero said:

“This entire affair is deeply unpleasant and damaging to the town’s reputation. The comments made by the mayor were shocking, and I stand with Cllr. Devauden in asking for accountability.

“For years now, a small group on the council has operated without transparency or respect for proper conduct. The people of Neyland deserve better.”

Concerns about the mayor’s conduct were also echoed by a member of the public at the most recent council meeting. The Herald understands a letter was either read aloud or formally submitted at the meeting, expressing serious concern about what was said during the civic service.

“I have never been more ashamed of a council in my life,” the letter reportedly stated. “What was meant to be a respectful civic occasion was turned into something divisive and distressing. I urge councillors to reflect seriously on what kind of leadership this town deserves.”

Despite being given the opportunity to respond, Cllr. Peter Hay did not reply to The Herald’s request for comment.

The Herald understands that internal divisions have dogged Neyland Town Council for some time, with previous rows also referred to the Ombudsman and widely discussed in the community.