We commented earlier this year on the latest of armed skirmishes that are characteristic of community politics in the lower Swansea Valley. Ombudsman complaints, legal actions and character assassinations have been whizzing about like manic gunfire. But to us anoraks, the degree to which the same old, same old in Swansea’s political equivalent of the Balkans has attracted local press coverage is intriguing.
The answer may lie with the media-savvy abilities of breakaway councillor Roger Smith who left the local Labour group last year to form his own cadre with two other dissidents. The reason for his departure at the time was one of irreconcilable differences with the leadership but what is now emerging is that he pissed off the hierarchy by slipping in an amendment on boundary changes under the noses of his erstwhile colleagues.A further article in today’s Beans on Toast (no link available so far) reports on demands for a referendum and the sight of councillors standing on their heads now that the move is proving unpopular. It also appears that Labour leader David Phillips was asked why he did not pick up on what was happening at the time and why it has taken all of 18 months for him and his party to get indignant about Renegade Roger’s little stunt.
His unconvincing response was, “We were ambushed. We also had some councillors who were new to the role”; which translates into “We really couldn’t give a toss at the time, but now he’s left the party - and it looks like he screwed up - we need to be seen to be giving the little shit a good kicking”.
All of which probably tells you as much about the two leaders and the state of local politics in Swansea as you need to know.
6 Comments:
What is intruiquing is the way that some Councillors claim ignorance almost as if it were slipped through without warning. My recollection is that when Roger Smith raised the matter I spoke against on the grounds that there had been no consultation and that residents in the Llansamlet ward part of Glais would suffer an increase in Council Tax as they would come under the auspices of Clydach Community Council.
I believe there were other Councillors who spoke against too, possibly Bob Lloyd. Despite that the Council supported Roger Smith.
To argue that they were not warned is disingenuous to say the least.
Why do you make use of every opportunity to malign and ridicule David Phillips the Leader of the labour group. What is your agenda???
I am not a member of the Labour Party.
Re Anonymous, strange that you don't ask why DP feels he has to bad-mouth Roger Smith at every opportunity.
RE: Ap Williams
Rest assured if I had wanted to ask the question you refer to, I would have. Apparently you would rather attack an individual rather than ask a direct question yourself!!!
As previously stated I am not a member of any political Party.
Hey Anonymous. It seems to me that it is DP that is doing the personal attacks when it comes to asking questions(see second paragraph in http://davidphillips1.blogspot.com/2010/02/monstrous-meeting.html). What is your agenda, by the way?
@Ap Williams
By the way, I don't have an agenda.
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