Railroaded?

There are mixed messages coming out of Calamity Hall as to whether council leader Chris Holley did or did not screw the system when he personally accepted a freebie feasibility study into a proposed new multi-million tram system.

We understand that an internal investigation into his private dealings with a major construction company was delayed when the Ombudsman also decided to look into the matter. It appears that the local government watchdog has now indicated that there was no actual breach; prompting the Lib Dem leader to employ one of his own unique expressions to claim it has “proven that I did nothing” - and who can argue with that?

However, an official statement by council chief executive Paul Smith which provides a measure of vindication also sounds a less positive tone by confirming that: “His [Holley's] actions fell short of what would be recognised as good practice and did expose himself, his office and the council to adverse comments and criticisms”.

There is no indication if the investigation findings will become publicly available, as far as we know, but according to the Beans on Toast, among the recommendations is that all future [committee] reports to be considered will need to be obtained through council officers. This will cause a few double-takes among staff who know that the council’s own procurement rules already insist on such a requirement.

The row which led to allegations of possible 'back-handers' by the council's many critics has overshadowed embryonic plans for a £510 million super tram scheme connecting coastal stations around Swansea Bay. At least one supporter has since demanded to have his name removed from the on-line petition organised by a Lib Dem councillor. More worryingly for the coalition however is the emerging view within its own ranks that it this same arrogant disregard for official procedures displayed by those at the top of the political heap which lies behind many of the financial woes that now beset the authority.

An unrepentant Holley however hit out at those who shopped him, claiming : “I feel that they have no idea what they are talking about”. Unsurprisingly, the general feeling in the community and various newsrooms is that Swansea Council has a leader suffering from precisely the same affliction.