News

Jamie Adams remains as Council Leader, for now

Published

10 years ago

August 19, 2014

cllr jamie AT a meeting held at the County Records Office, Prendergast, on Monday evening (Aug 18) members of the IPPG rallied round Jamie Adams, their beleaguered leader, and chose to maintain the status quo at County Hall.

The Herald is able to confirm that the ruling group are concerned about leaks from within County Hall about their activities and conduct in public office. In particular, Deputy Leader Rob Lewis has expressed concern about the amount of information about the group’s activities appearing both online and in The Pembrokeshire Herald.

The Herald’s revelations about Bryn Parry Jones’ private conduct towards Councillors were not news to IPPG members, whose concern is more about hushing up what goes on in County Hall between officers and councillors than in addressing officers’ failures.

While Councillor Adams sought to reassure members that Pembrokeshire was one of the top performing authorities in Wales, he neglected to address the burgeoning scandals that continue to trouble the Council, including the continuing and potentially widening enquiry into the grants scandal in Pembroke Dock. The Herald understands from a source close to those involved that questions are going to arise about the disposal of asbestos from sites associated with extensive works under certain of the projects that received grant funding.

Councillor Adams did nothing to dispel concerns about the continuing proximity of the Council’s ruling group with certain senior officers.

Councillor Jacob Williams revealed (on www.jacobwilliams.com) that Jamie Adams intends to make changes to the composition and structure of his Cabinet. It is possible that those most inclined to voice public dissent have been bought off with the promise of future advancement or were disinclined to be subject to one of Councillor Brian Hall’s intermittent tirades at Monday’s meeting.

Jacob Williams also revealed that the IPPG are preparing for life without Bryn Parry Jones, writing: “Both Cllr. Adams and his deputy Cllr. Rob Lewis stressed that any parting of ways mustn’t give rise to grounds for wrongful dismissal. They even reminded those present how costly and drawn out employment disputes can be, and hinted at the recently revealed large settlement awarded to

Sharon Shoesmith by Haringey Council for her wrongful dismissal in 2008.

“Cllr. Adams dropped his bombshell: a parting of ways would likely involve a ‘package,’ and he wanted his party’s support because a parting package would require full council approval.”

Such a move would certainly cause political upheaval on the opposition benches at County Hall. It is likely that Cllr Adams has calculated that the fragmented nature of the opposition, its weakness in debate and his own troops’ loyalty to their places at the trough of patronage will be enough to keep him and his party in place until the storm subsides.

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7 Comments

Andrew Lye

August 19, 2014 at 12:29 pm

First rule in politics….
When in a hole, stop digging.
But then again …. this is Pembrokeshire…
Western Welsh

August 19, 2014 at 8:14 pm

Bring back Dyfed! Pembrokeshire is a very spoiled brand thanks to the Independent Party that has embarrassed us all for far too long!
sm1968

August 19, 2014 at 9:55 pm

So they still don’t get it do they, its bigger than just BPJ now its the lot of them, and the IPPG rally round the creature that is Jamie all positioning themselves for a promotion for towing the line, sickening, you really are a bunch of idiots. A complete laughing stock. Nothing ever changes does it, all they think about is themselves, not one of them with any shame what so ever.
Tomos

August 20, 2014 at 10:56 am

I’m really really disappointed in some of the IPG members, thought they were decent people – ashamed of some of the many questionable things done in their name – my bug bear is sacking someone who tried to stop a paedophile within the council, the council giving the guy a glowing report.
There are plenty more disgusting and questionable decisions – do they feel no shame OR do those special responsibility allowances help them sleep at night?
Maggie

August 23, 2014 at 8:03 pm

I don’t know why people are surprised at the shenanigans of the Independents. They’re either closet Tories who don’t want to pay the electoral price for being linked with the coalition or blatant narcissists attracted by the illusion of power.
Robin Howells, Chair, Preseli Pembrokeshire Labour Party

August 28, 2014 at 11:23 am

Perhaps Jamie Adams and the IPPG should be more concerned about dealing with the issues within Pembrokeshire County Council rather than the leaks. After all these leaks are factual events rather than gossip and as we have seen over recent weeks, months and years this group’s ability to run the council and provide services seems to be called into question. Whether this is Education, Children’s Services, Day Centres, Libraries, grants or the conduct of Councillor’s and the Chief Executive with the pensions disgrace attracting two police investigations – this Independent group (a bizarre term for those who deem themselves to be independent to the electorate yet belong to a group) should decide where their priorities are – their image or their actions. Perhaps at the next local actions the people of Pembrokeshire have already made their decision. It’s time for a change and quickly.
Power to the People

September 14, 2014 at 12:30 pm

I am still in shock after listening to Cllr George……….is he for real?

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

5 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

13 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

13 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.