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.