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Bryn investigation committee member told: ‘Keep your mouth shut’

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EXCLUSIVE

THE HERALD can reveal that on September 18, Cllr Rob Lewis told former Cabinet Education spokesperson Cllr Ken Rowlands, who was removed from the Cabinet earlier this year, that he had been appointed to sit on the committee investigating council chief Bryn Parry-Jones, and that he should “keep his mouth shut”.

County Hall: News of Simpson's departure from cabinet a shock to many

County Hall: News of Simpson’s departure from cabinet on Friday (Sept 26) a was a shock to many

The Herald understands that a member of the Council’s staff was present in Cllr Lewis’ office when he gave Cllr Ken Rowlands both the news of his appointment to the vital committee and instructions as to his conduct during the investigation

It is not clear on whose authority Cllr Rob Lewis decided he was in a position to appoint a member of the investigatory committee or to give instructions to them, but Mr Lewis has form in acting as the CEO’s emissary in his dealing with Councillors. Our exclusive interview with Cllr Simpson following his resignation also revealed that Jamie Adams and his Deputies, Huw George and Rob Lewis, effectively ran the Council’s political executive without reference to Cabinet.

We revealed that on Thursday evening (Sept 25), Cllrs Mark Edwards and Peter Morgan met with Cllr David Simpson at his home.

Allegations made at that meeting, about Cllr Rob Lewis’s activities in connection with evidence to be heard by the Investigatory Committee from Cllr Morgan, led Mr Simpson to resign from the Cabinet on Friday morning.

The Herald was aware of County Hall gossip concerning this fresh allegation, but Cllr David Simpson contacted The Herald this morning and reported that the Johnston councillor had visited him on Saturday (Sept 27) and confirmed to him that the rumours were true.

Cllr Rowlands and current Cabinet member Sue Perkins were parachuted on to the Investigatory Committee by IPPG Leader Jamie Adams to replace Daphne Bush and Lyndon Frayling, who were originally appointed to it.

When we spoke to Cllr Morgan on Friday evening, he told us: “Rob Lewis has spoken to me about appearing before the investigatory committee. My position is that pressure won’t work on me. I will do what is right. When I spoke to Jamie Adams last night (Thursday, Sep 25), I told him the same thing.”

Cllr Morgan added: “Laurence Harding met with me to discuss my attendance at the investigatory committee on Monday (Sep 29). He told me that if I didn’t want to attend, if I just left him a signed note it would all be okay and I wouldn’t have to go.”

Cllr Lewis lost his Deputy Leader’s post on Friday, but remains in Cabinet.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Ianto

    September 30, 2014 at 1:19 pm

    The impartiality of the monitoring officer is once again in question. Surprised the note was not to be left in a brown envelope in the back of the official car

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Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

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Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

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Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

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SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

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Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

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ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.

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