NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL is facing mounting criticism after a controversial closed-door meeting on Thursday (Feb 20) led to the co-option of the Town Clerk’s mother onto the council. The decision has sparked accusations of corruption, conflicts of interest, and a lack of transparency in the democratic process.

Press and public barred from meeting

In an unprecedented move, the press and public were excluded from the meeting at Neyland Community Hub, forcing frustrated residents to wait outside in the Hub bar. The exclusion has led to growing anger in the community, with some describing the council’s actions as a “disgrace”.

A resident told The Herald: “If they had nothing to hide, we’d have been allowed in. The secrecy makes it clear—they know what they’re doing is wrong.”

Clerk’s mother appointed amid controversy

One of the most contentious points of the meeting was the co-option of the Clerk’s mother, Donna Matthews, onto the council. This follows weeks of allegations that Neyland Town Council manipulated the selection process to favour particular candidates.

Leaked emails suggest that at least one valid candidate, Mr. Dickson, was ignored despite submitting an application. Documents indicate that Clerk Libby Matthews did not acknowledge or respond to his candidacy, while her mother’s application proceeded without challenge.

Councillor blocked from voting remotely

Further controversy arose when Councillor Brian Rothero was prevented from attending remotely, despite giving prior notice. In a leaked email, Rothero accused the council of deliberately obstructing certain members from participating:

“You and your group have done everything in your power to make this as difficult as possible… You are breaking protocol by not allowing me to attend and cast my vote remotely.”

He added: “This entire process is corrupt. The Clerk is at the centre of it, organising everything.”

Leaked emails expose refusal to answer questions

Leaked correspondence reveals that Councillor Steve Thomas repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of the selection process but was met with silence or outright refusal to engage.

In one email, Thomas wrote: “The vacancy needs to be readvertised, perhaps with a Clerk from another Council managing the process whilst all of this is going on.”

The response from Clerk Libby Matthews was blunt:

“No.”

When pressed on why she ignored Mr. Dickson’s application, her reply was:

“No is a full answer, and it’s the one you’re getting.”

These responses have heightened suspicions that the council was determined to install a pre-selected candidate regardless of fairness or due process.

Conflict of interest allegations

Adding to the scandal, leaked documents suggest that Councillor Mike Harry, a key figure in the co-option process, has direct financial ties to one of the candidates. As a paid director and employer of an applicant, his involvement should have disqualified him from participating in the selection.

Councillor Rothero warned in an email: “As a now paid Director and employer of one of the candidates [via his directorship of Neyland CIC], I hope he removes himself. If not, the press will have a field day with this.”

The Herald contacted Cllr Mike Harry who confirmed he was a director, but said he wasn’t paid. Mike Harry also confirmed he voted in the meeting for the co-option of the clerk’s mother.

Calls for resignations and fresh elections

Former Neyland Mayor Andrew Lye has called for Councillor David Devauden to resign, citing allegations that he sent a threatening and malicious email to the Town Clerk.

Lye has also reported the council’s actions to the police, stating:

“This entire situation has spiralled out of control. If the full extent of these councillors’ emails were published, people would be shocked.”

Public frustration is growing, with many calling for the council to be dissolved and fresh elections to be held.

One resident summed up the mood: “This council is rotten from the inside out. It’s time to clean house.”

What happens next?

Complaints have now been submitted to the Ombudsman, the Election Committee, and the police, placing Neyland Town Council at the centre of a deepening scandal.

Pressure is mounting for an independent investigation into the co-option process, alongside renewed demands for resignations and a complete overhaul of council leadership.

For now, residents are left wondering: Will those responsible be held accountable, or will secrecy and controversy continue to plague Neyland Town Council?

The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to investigate and report on this developing story.