It all
went public today with a BBC Wales story of how two Lib Dems and a tory are under
investigation by the ombudsman for allegations of misconduct. They
named council leader Chris Holley, his deputy John Hague - who leads the Independent group - and deputy tory group leader Paxton Hood-Williams.
As we
reported, the allegations refer to a purported back-door deal between the tory
group and the ruling Lib Dem/Independent ruling coalition. The idea was to
trade support on key votes in exchange for getting work done in their wards in
advance of May’s elections.
We had
previously been told that it was none other that Conservative leader Rene
Kinzett who blew the lid on matters. However, informal Labour sources also
claim to have had a hand in things by supplying their own evidence to make sure
it was chief executive Jack Straw who reported the trio to the Ombudsman.
This
is not the first time that Holley has found himself in hot water over wheeler
dealing. In 2009, an inquiry team was set up to look into the dubious way that
an assessment from engineers Laing O’Rourke had been presented to a
council committee. The investigation was deemed necessary when it came to light
that the study had been conducted by the firm as a “personal gift” to Holley.
How
much damage these latest charges will do to Holley and his tired-looking
administration depend on the outcome of enquires and whether the local paper
can be bothered to take an interest beyond what they get spoon fed by council
spinners.
All
that said however, we confidently predict widespread donning of brown corduroys
if the ombudsman rules that ‘friendly accommodations’ which are the staff of
life in Welsh local government are deemed to be a breach of the code with all
the consequences that entails.
Planning
committees would never be the same again.
6 Comments:
I was amazed that teh Ombudsmnan let Chris Holley off the hook in 2009 over the Laing O’Rourke FIASCO.
If the Ombudsman fails to investigate and act on this matter - the public will view his office as 'inadequate' and not fit for purpose.
If the case against these three is proven they deserve to take up residence at 100 Oystermouth Road.
How very fitting that Holley should be reported to the ombudsman by the council's own chief executive. I should imagine that Mr Straw took the appropriate legal advice before referring the matter upwards. I recall that Holley did exactly the same thing when he himself reported thirty three opposition councillors for going against procedures.
Don't hold your breath waiting for the Beans on Toast to cover this. An official investigation into alleged misconduct by the leader of the council doesn't even merit a mention as breaking news on their website.
I do love it when the BBC say they have "learned" something and can "reveal" details that they copied from another source. What is it that prevents them from giving attribution to a blog other than being completely up their own news gathering?
There is something seriously rotten about Swansea Council. The previous chief executive threw his hands up and walked out having failed to keep senior councillors honest. At least the new guy has some guts and is willing to put his job on the line and report misconduct regardless of consequences. It's just a pity that this same zeal doesn't extend to keeping Desperate Den in check - and away from the pies.
@ Council shops senior councillors - Still no mention of this hugely concerning issue on the ever-vigilant Evening Post website.
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