Local Government

Councillor suspended for four years after tribunal finds code breaches

Published

5 months ago

January 16, 2026

Ombudsman-related hearing told actions had “detrimental” impact on council

A NEYLAND town councillor has been suspended from office for four years after a tribunal found he had breached the code of conduct.

The decision was announced at Haverfordwest Court Court on Friday (Jan 16) following Ombudsman-related proceedings concerning complaints made by Mayor Peter Hay and town clerk Elizabeth Anne Matthews.

The hearing, which stretched over two days, heard evidence from the clerk and the mayor and examined a series of allegations relating to Cllr David Devauden’s conduct and dealings with the council office.

Proceedings opened at 10:00am on Thursday (Jan 15) with a courtroom packed with members of the public and other Neyland town councillors. The judge, flanked by two magistrates, said he wished to deal first with preliminary matters.

Disputed bundle amended

Cllr Devauden, who represented himself, raised a preliminary point about what was described as an agreed bundle of “undisputed facts,” arguing that some entries had been written incorrectly and could be misleading.

He told the tribunal the bundle stated he had accused the clerk of “committing illegal acts against the council,” but said his position was that the clerk and others had conspired to tamper with a government document, which he described as fraud.

The judge agreed to make small amendments to the bundle in Cllr Devauden’s favour.

Clerk gives evidence

The first witness was the clerk, who confirmed her full name as Elizabeth Anne Matthews and confirmed that she had made a complaint to the Ombudsman.

In questioning, Cllr Devauden asked when they first met. Ms Matthews replied: “It was when you joined the council.”

“But that’s a lie isn’t it,” Cllr Devauden said, claiming he had met her in 2008 when she worked at the post office and that he would see her regularly.

Ms Matthews disputed this and told the tribunal she did not start working at the post office until 2025, adding that she served many customers and did not remember him.

Minutes, recordings and allegations of leaks

The hearing then moved to issues around access to council minutes and recordings.

Cllr Devauden told the tribunal he had asked for minutes but said they were not provided. Ms Matthews said he had asked for minutes covering a number of years and that it was not something she could do immediately while busy.

Cllr Devauden argued that minutes should be provided “on demand,” referring to what he said was the position under the Local Government Act. Ms Matthews replied that while minutes had to be provided, it was “within a reasonable time,” rather than instantly.

Ms Matthews was also questioned about why she had not passed over recordings requested by Cllr Devauden. She told the tribunal she was concerned about protecting the council and said she believed he had been leaking information to the press. She said press coverage of Neyland Town Council had “always been negative,” and alleged that Cllr Devauden was the source.

Cllr Devauden denied leaking information and said he had only been to the newspaper on two occasions and that each time his name had been included in the reporting.

Allegation of intimidation denied

The tribunal heard an allegation that Cllr Devauden had shouted at Ms Matthews when she refused to provide minutes.

Cllr Devauden denied shouting and told the tribunal it was “your word against mine,” adding that he had walked out of the office and thought to himself that the situation was “toxic.”

Ms Matthews alleged that after requesting minutes Cllr Devauden remained in the office, threatening to report her to the police, standing in the doorway and leaving her feeling she could not escape. Cllr Devauden denied threatening her. Ms Matthews told the tribunal the matter was “in the emails.”

When challenged on her evidence, she said: “What is written in my statement is true according to my absolute belief.”

Mayor called to the stand

Mayor Peter Hay was the next witness to give evidence. He confirmed he had also made a complaint against Cllr Devauden.

The tribunal heard evidence relating to Remembrance Sunday arrangements, including why Cllr Devauden had not been selected as parade marshal and why he did not read the order of wreaths.

Cllr Devauden said he had carried out the role for “ten or 15 years,” while the mayor said he believed it had been done once before.

The judge questioned the relevance of the line of questioning and asked Cllr Devauden where it was leading. Cllr Devauden said he wanted to prove the mayor was a “pathological liar.”

Cllr Devauden referred to the claim that councillors had been told they had to choose between him or “the band” as the reason he was overlooked. Mayor Hay told the tribunal he did not mean the Milford Haven Town Band and said he did not know which organisation had complained.

“Whether it was the Cubs, the Brownies or the Scouts, I’m not sure who complained about Cllr Devauden,” he said. “I do not engage in tittle-tattle. I just knew a complaint had been made.”

With no further questions considered relevant at that stage, the judge directed that the mayor could step down from the witness box and take a seat at the back of the courtroom. The hearing then adjourned briefly.

Evidence over documents and disputed dates

***Banned from being a councillor for four years: Cllr David Devauden***

After the break, the hearing returned to evidence relating to requests for council documents and allegations surrounding access to information.

The court heard reference to a witness statement dated Friday, April 19, 2024, which included mention of ‘Sarah’s Law’. During questioning, one witness told the tribunal she had not been well at the relevant time.

Cllr Devauden challenged aspects of the evidence, including uncertainty over dates. He told the tribunal that without a clear date he could not properly respond, asking how he could “admit or argue” evidence where timings were disputed.

There were also references to whether Cllr Devauden had asked for information about individuals, which he disputed, and further discussion about requests for historic minutes and access to recordings, including what could reasonably be provided and when.

The hearing also heard exchanges about whether individuals felt intimidated during interactions at the council office, which Cllr Devauden denied.

“Nearly eighty” and unrepresented

Cllr Devauden appeared without legal representation during the two-day hearing and at times seemed to struggle with the tribunal process. In evidence he told the tribunal he was “nearly eighty” and added: “My brain is not as quick as it used to be.”

Observers in court noted that he did not mount an effective cross-examination of witnesses and was repeatedly directed back to the issues the tribunal was required to determine. As a result, wider concerns about council governance — which have been the subject of public controversy in Neyland in recent months — were not explored in detail during the proceedings.

Tribunal retires to consider sanction

When the tribunal returned on Friday morning, the judge questioned Cllr Devauden about his understanding of the authority of the tribunal and the impact of his actions.

“Do you understand the authority of this tribunal?” the judge asked. Cllr Devauden replied: “Yes.”

The judge asked whether he recognised the impact his actions had had and whether he could understand why he was in breach. Cllr Devauden told the tribunal he may have been in breach in 2023, but said in relation to last year he believed he had seen “criminal behaviours” and had to speak out.

The judge then asked whether he wished to take the opportunity to apologise.

Cllr Devauden replied: “Yes, I am very sorry for the things I’ve done and I take full responsibility. It would be foolish not to.”

The judge and magistrates then retired.

Aggravating factors outlined

The tribunal said there were very few mitigating circumstances, noting only that Cllr Devauden had been in service for a short period and had a clean record up until the matters raised.

However, the tribunal listed a series of aggravating features. These included findings that he had taken no responsibility towards Ms Matthews, shown no respect towards the Ombudsman process, and that there had been a pattern of repeated behaviour.

The tribunal also found that he had acted constructively and wilfully to hurt Ms Matthews and said the impact on her mental health had been severe, with the hearing told she had taken time off in June 2024.

Further aggravating points included references to threatening emails sent in the week before the tribunal, an admission that he had not taken the time to read the code of conduct, and failures to follow the Nolan Principles.

Four-year suspension imposed

At the conclusion of proceedings, the tribunal imposed a sanction of a four-year suspension from office. It also ordered that Cllr Devauden undertake further code of conduct training sessions.

Local Government

Building better culture: Public invited to help shape regional vision

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS across Mid and West Wales are being invited to help shape a new cultural vision for the region.

Powys, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire councils have joined forces through the Mid and West Wales Strategic Culture Partnership, which is being led by Powys County Council.

The partnership is developing a long-term plan for culture across the region, following the Welsh Government’s Priorities for Culture, published in May 2025.

The project aims to bring communities together, celebrate Wales as a nation of culture and create new opportunities for residents, creative groups and organisations.

A regional Cultural Vision and four local Cultural Priority Plans are due to be completed by October 2026. These will support collaboration and investment in culture across the region over the next five years.

Public views sought

Residents, community groups, creatives and organisations are being encouraged to share their views on what culture means to them.

The consultation is being delivered through the Cwlwm project, Golwg Creadigol, with a series of drop-in sessions and evening workshops taking place during June.

Sessions will explore different interpretations of culture, including arts, theatre, heritage, libraries, local events, language and community life.

All sessions are open to everyone, with Welsh and English language options available.

Pembrokeshire sessions will take place at Fishguard Town Hall on Thursday (Jun 11), with a drop-in session from 11:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm, followed by an evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

A second Pembrokeshire session will be held at Pembroke Dock Library on Monday (Jun 22), with a drop-in session from 11:00am to 5:00pm and an evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

‘Bursting with creativity’

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Pembrokeshire Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “Mid and West Wales is bursting with creativity, heritage and community spirit, and this exciting partnership is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and build on that together.

“By working across four counties, we can be more ambitious, more innovative and create a cultural vision that truly showcases everything our region has to offer.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible — residents, community groups, artists and organisations — so that together we can build a cultural future that is inclusive, ambitious and rooted in what matters most to our communities.

“So please attend one of our sessions in Pembrokeshire or share your views via the online questionnaire.”

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said the partnership was “an exciting opportunity” to build a shared vision reflecting the region’s rich culture.

She said: “I would encourage residents, community groups and creatives to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of culture in our region.”

Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member responsible for Culture, Cllr Catrin M S Davies, said: “Our culture belongs to us, helps to define us, and is an integral part of our communities — locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

“This is a great opportunity for the people of Ceredigion and beyond to have their say on culture in the future. We want to hear as many voices as possible.”

Powys Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, Cllr Raiff Devlin, said culture played an important role in strengthening local identity, supporting wellbeing and creating opportunities.

He added: “This is a real opportunity for people across Powys to help shape the future of culture across Mid and West Wales, so I’d strongly encourage everyone to take a few moments to share their views.”

How to take part

The full list of sessions includes:

Thursday (Jun 11): Fishguard Town Hall, drop-in from 11:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Monday (Jun 22): Pembroke Dock Library, drop-in from 11:00am to 5:00pm and evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Monday (Jun 29): Carmarthen Library, drop-in from 11:00am to 5:00pm and evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Residents can also complete the online questionnaire through Ceredigion County Council’s website.

The closing date for responses is Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Local Government

Pembroke Dock Market by-election notice to be published

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS in Pembroke Dock Market ward are being advised that a Notice of Election will be published on Thursday (Jun 4).

Anyone wishing to stand for election must submit nomination papers to the Returning Officer between Thursday (Jun 4) and Friday (Jun 12), between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

Further details about the nomination process will be included in the Notice of Election when it is published.

Nomination papers can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or by calling the Elections Helpline on 01437 775844.

The Statement of Persons Nominated will be published after nominations close. If the election is contested, polling will take place on Thursday, July 9.

Anyone interested in becoming a councillor can find more information on the Democratic Services section of Pembrokeshire County Council’s website.

Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by midnight on Tuesday, June 23. Applications can be made online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Returning Officer Will Bramble said: “I would urge ward residents to register to vote and vote in the upcoming election.”

Poll cards will be sent to electors before polling day and will show which polling station they should attend.

Education

Tenby school needs new roof just ten years after opening

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

FURTHER discussion are to take place about where pupils from a Pembrokeshire school will go while its roof is rebuilt after failing when it was less than 10 years old.

Tenby VC School, a 3–11 English-medium primary school with an additional Learning Resource Centre (LRC) provision, was built in 2016.

Just a few years after its build, there were reports of water ingress.

In November 2024, a £75,000 feasibility budget to look at ways of tackling roof leaks at Tenby’s VC school, including a complete new roof, was backed by members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet.

The council implemented a series of urgent health and safety measures to mitigate immediate risks, including the installation of 510 ‘acro’ props to support vulnerable roof areas and the full closure of the Early Years/Playgroup wing, along with regular inspections.

At the November 2025 Cabinet meeting, members received a report detailing the findings of the feasibility study, with a favoured option of the replacement of entire roof, backing tenders for the works being sought.

It was warned there would need to be a “a comprehensive decant strategy” for pupils to go elsewhere while the works took place.

At the June 2026 Cabinet meeting, in a report presented by Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration Cllr Paul Miller, members were asked to approve the award of a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) for Stage 1 of the Tenby VC School Roof Replacement Project following tendering; Morgan Sindall Construction the most successful applicant.

Stage 2 construction contract will only proceed following a separate formal approval based on market tested packages, validated cost plans, and an assessment of value for money, a report for members said.

Members were also asked to consider which decant strategies are to be considered for detailed feasibility, in order to enable the roof replacement works to take place.

Seven initial options have now been narrowed down to five the report said.

Options include: decanting the whole school to Saundersfoot CP and Stepaside Schools while retaining Tenby VC as a separate entity at a cost of some £0.5m a year; distribute Tenby VC pupils across multiple local schools across the wider Tenby cluster; decant to nearby comprehensive Greenhill School which currently has 302 surplus places; establish a modular village at the northern boundary of Greenhill School, a self-contained modular village adjacent to Heywood Lane, comprising nine classrooms and associated facilities for Tenby VC; and a hybrid model combining the modular village and Greenhill accommodation.

Two earlier options of a modular village on alternative council owned land in Tenby and a modular village on the Tenby VC site have been discounted.

Members agreed to further consideration on the ‘decant’ strategy, subject to a more detailed feasibility exercise, a final decant proposal be brought to Cabinet for consideration, along with the setting aside of up to £75,000 to support the final proposal; Cllr Miller saying there were, in effect, two options for the building: to replace the roof “or don’t, and effectively abandon that site”.

“A roof completely failing on a 10-year-old building is completely bad news, but we have 180 children being educated in a building that is no longer fit for purpose, and we have to get on with it.”

A further report will be brought to Cabinet at the conclusion of Stage 1 to seek approval for entering the Stage 2 construction contract.