Party won't suspend under-fire council leader
SWANSEA Council leader Chris Holley won't be suspended by his party while he is investigated over allegations of trading support for votes.
He was one of three councillors reported to the Public Services Ombudsman over the claims. Independent John Hague and Tory councillor for Fairwood Paxton Hood-Williams have also been reported.
Mr Hood-Williams has been suspended by his party during the investigation.
Earlier this month the Welsh Lib Dem Party said it had no plans to suspend Mr Holley, adding: "Clearly, no action should be taken by anyone until the ombudsman has finished his investigation and we are confident that he will find these complaints are without foundation."
And today a party spokesman said that had not changed.
He added: "No action has been taken against Mr Holley as a result of the claims."
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman has confirmed his investigation is on hold while police make inquiries as to whether a criminal investigation should ensue.
A spokeswoman added: "In order to avoid the potential for prejudicing police enquiries, the Ombudsman has suspended his active investigation into the complaints made against Councillors Holley, Hague and Hood-Williams pending the completion of those inquiries."
2 Comments
by chaz1984
Thursday, November 24 2011, 3:50AM
“Cnsidering the recent articles on the number of complaints to the ombudsman,it would seem appropriate that South Wales Police carry out a full investigation into the dealings of Mr Holley,Mr Hague and co as it would appear that a number of decisions made by councillors may be misguided to say the least.Landore cricket ground being given to Swansea City Fc at the expense of local tax payers,sportsmen,when in fact these same councillors were at such events as the playoff,with the same people they give the Landore facility too, for nothing.Strange,but needs a good look at by police and other decisions,now”
by CitizenSpike
Wednesday, November 23 2011, 9:14AM
“Welsh Lib Dems say these complaints are without foundation. Does that mean they have conducted their own investigation? Was Chris Holley interviewed by party officials? If so, then what are the conclusions?”