PEMBROKESHIRE’S former leader Cllr Jon Harvey has spoken of his two years in the role, saying it “is not about photo opportunities, and not about headlines, but getting on with the job”.

Pembroke St Mary North member Cllr Harvey became leader in May 2024, replacing Cllr David Simpson, having previously served on his Cabinet.

After Cllr Harvey’s announcement he would not continue as leader, a three-way all-women challenge was held for the leadership role, with Cllr Tessa Hodgson beating Cllr Anji Tinley by one vote to become leader.

Speaking at the AGM just before the leadership battle, Cllr Harvey outlined a record of his time as leader.

Giving thanks to his predecessor in the leader role, Cllr David Simpson, he said: “It’s been an absolutely great honour to lead the council for the past two years, building on the work of David Simpson and my time in Cabinet.”

He also thanked fellow Cabinet colleagues and staff for their “commitment and professionalism,” and his wife Sarah and friends and family, saying: “If you do this role properly it’s 24-7; I’ve only had 10 days off in the last two years, it goes with the territory.”

He added: “As an administration We have much to be proud of, regeneration and investment of our town centres, with the Haverfordwest interchange and the ‘signature bridge’ open in Haverfordwest and the works at Haverfordwest Castle, and I’m confident of a formal announcement for retail at the old Wilko site.

“In Pembroke works are happening at important listed buildings that were left decaying pre-2017, with South Quay due to open in 2027, bringing added footfall into the town and saving on the social services budget.”

He said that while there were many naysayers to the costs of these projects, “the reality is we have secured significant amounts of grants, minimising the burden on the taxpayers”.

On education, Cllr Harvey said he was “particularly pleased with the opening of Ysgol Penfro in 2024,” and the administration was “committed to a new secondary in Milford Haven,” adding the performance figures as a local authority for A levels and GCSEs had improved.

He said Pembrokeshire now had the third highest number of affordable housing schemes based on population in Wales, and there had been significant investment in leisure facilities, with plans for new centres in Pembroke and Milford Haven, along with a new library in Narberth.

He finished by saying: “Leadership is not about photo opportunities, and not about headlines, but getting on with the job,” adding the three-way all-women contest for his former role would “make history,” and was “something to celebrate in itself”.

Presiding member Cllr Simon Hancock described Cllr Harvey as “an exemplary leader,” adding: “We are indebted to you to a very great extent.”

A vote of thanks for Cllr Harvey was later held, with Cllr Paul Miller saying: “The county owe their thanks [to Cllr Harvey] even if the majority don’t know it; such is politics.”

Town council cancels mayor-making ceremony as incumbent asked to remain in post

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL has dramatically reversed its decision over who will serve as mayor for the coming year, following controversy surrounding councillor Dylan Lewis-Rowlands.

At an extraordinary meeting held on Tuesday evening, councillors agreed that current mayor Cllr Emlyn Jones should remain in post for a second term, replacing an earlier decision that had seen Cllr Lewis-Rowlands selected for the role.

The council confirmed Cllr Jones will formally continue as Mayor of Aberystwyth from Monday (May 18).

In a statement, the authority said: “Following an extraordinary meeting of the Council, Cllr Emlyn Jones has been appointed as Mayor elect for the 2026/27 municipal year and is due to be appointed as Mayor of Aberystwyth, commencing his second term of office from Monday 18 May 2026.

“In light of these circumstances, the council has decided that the Mayor Making Ceremony scheduled to take place on Friday 15 May will no longer go ahead.”

The reversal follows recent media reports concerning historic messages sent by Cllr Lewis-Rowlands to a teenage student, which prompted criticism and renewed scrutiny over his suitability for ceremonial office.

The messages, first reported by local media, were said to contain sexually suggestive content. The matter reportedly led to internal disciplinary action by the Labour Party, which issued a formal warning after reviewing complaints.

Public concern over the appointment had grown in recent weeks, with a protest reportedly planned ahead of the mayor-making ceremony. Those plans are understood to have been withdrawn following the council’s decision to retain the existing mayor.

Cllr Lewis-Rowlands has previously apologised for the messages, describing them as “stupid and embarrassing” and saying he regretted the upset caused.

He has maintained that multiple complaints and investigations into the matter were either dismissed or not upheld, with one formal warning issued by the Labour Party relating to a specific allegation.

The move leaves Cllr Emlyn Jones set to continue in office while questions remain over how the original mayoral appointment was allowed to proceed in the first place.

The controversy has also renewed debate over the standards expected of civic leaders in Aberystwyth, particularly in ceremonial roles such as mayor, where office holders are expected to act as ambassadors for the town and represent the wider community.

Court overturns council decision to revoke Penny Pizza premises licence but imposes strict new conditions

AN ABERYSTWYTH restaurant has successfully overturned a council decision to revoke its premises licence.

The Olive Branch restaurant, trading as Penny Pizza Ltd from 35 Pier Street, Aberystwyth, won its appeal against a decision by Ceredigion County Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee to revoke its licence in November last year.

The appeal was heard at Aberystwyth Justice Centre on Thursday (May 14), where magistrates ruled in favour of the business and reinstated the premises licence.

Court documents show the company argued that the council’s original decision had been disproportionate, that the circumstances differed from the authority’s policy position and national guidance, and that steps had since been taken to address concerns through new systems and structures.

In allowing the appeal, the court set aside the council’s decision made on November 21, 2025, and ordered that the licence remain in force, subject to a number of additional conditions.

Among the new requirements, Penny Pizza Ltd must ensure right-to-work checks are carried out on all staff before they begin employment, in line with Home Office guidance.

The checks must be conducted by an independent third-party provider, such as a human resources or employment law consultancy, with detailed records kept and made available to licensing, police or immigration officers on request.

The court also ordered the licence holder to provide Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service with evidence within 14 days of fire drills, monthly alarm testing, the removal of bolts from a basement door and an emergency evacuation plan.

Magistrates made no order for costs, meaning each side will bear its own legal expenses.

The restaurant will continue to be permitted to provide late-night refreshment until as late as 4:00am on certain nights under the terms of its reinstated licence.