Another call to alms

We’re told that Swansea’s first citizen seems to have a popularity problem -

and that his charity fund-raising efforts are suffering as a result.

Having 'endeared' himself to colleagues a few years back, present mayoral incumbent Ioan Richard has apparently forgotten that he only got his role on seniority and is now reportedly complaining of a consistently poor turnout by councillors to civic events along with little support for his fundraising efforts.

A planned carol concert at the Mansion House was cancelled when ticket sales failed to reach double figures and now the annual black-tie charity ball at the Brangwyn Hall has been downgraded to a dinner with auction.

The official line is that the change is intended to make the event “more accessible” but we hear that several big sponsors had already pulled out. 

No reason has been specified but the feeling in some quarters is that His Worship has done little to disguise his eagerness to publicise his good works in advance of May’s elections. Pity.