SWANSEA Conservatives have denied a motion of no confidence in their leader was over a complaint to the Ombudsman.

Next week the group of Tory councillors on Swansea Council were planning to debate the motion relating to leader Rene Kinzett.

However, he resigned from the position on Friday before the meeting could take place.

In his resignation Mr Kinzett claimed he had lost the backing of three out of four of his Conservative colleagues over his actions.

He said at the time: "I seem to have lost the confidence of three of my Conservative group colleagues because I have taken a very strong line in the ethics involved in public spending, with the moralities of decision-making in an open and transparent manner, and safeguarding the interests of the taxpayers of Swansea."

It is understood the matter relates to alleged discussions about support for the ruling Lib Dem-led coalition — and in particular, giving extra spending to projects in certain Conservative-held wards.

Liberal Democrat council leader Chris Holley and Independent John Hague have been referred to the local Government watchdog for Wales over the allegations, along with Conservative councillor Paxton Hood-Williams.

The Post reported on Saturday that police have been called in by the Ombudsman to consider whether a criminal investigation should ensue.

However, Conservative councillor Anthony Colburn said the matter was historic.

He said the claim that the motion was over the current Ombudsman complaint was "not only inaccurate, it was untrue".

Mr Colburn added: "As long ago as May 2010 Rene Kinzett was made aware of councillors' concerns about his leadership and our wish to replace him.

"In fact he asked if he could stay on until August 2010 because he wished to complete some work he had already started.

"Another meeting was called prior to his complaint to the Ombudsman on September 14 to discuss group leadership — and as far as some of us were concerned his removal.

"But before that meeting we heard that complaint was made and that meeting was cancelled.

"It is wrong to suggest it was because of his actions, that is deciding to complain to the Ombudsman."

Reasons cited for the motion were the alleged: "failure to provide leadership of the group; failure to perform the functions and duties of the group leader; and failure to attend no more than two meetings out of a possible 44 during the current municipal year".

It also said: "Concern has been expressed on a regular basis by group members that press releases and statements to the media and other pronouncements in the public domain have been made by the leader without reference to, or consultation with his fellow group members."

The motion also said Mr Kinzett would have been given the opportunity to "justify his actions".

In his resignation statement, Mr Kinzett said: "It is clear that while I have acted in the best interests of the party and for the wider public good, I have nonetheless lost the support of three of my Conservative councillor colleagues on Swansea Council." Mr Kinzett later told the Post: "I resigned as Conservative group leader simply because three out of my four colleagues would not back me in my attempt to prevent what I believed to be a serious case of misuse of taxpayers' money."

He added: "My warning was not taken seriously and I referred the matter to the chief executive of the council, who passed the matter to the Ombudsman."

The meeting discussing the motion of no-confidence was set to take place on November 23, but that will now be a normal Conservative Party monthly meeting where a new leader will be decided.

An announcement on the new leader will be made on the day.

Mr Colburn said he would be throwing his hat into the ring.

However, Mr Kinzett has called into question the validity of the meeting on November 23.

He said: "One councillor, Tony Colburn, then took it upon himself to call a Conservative group meeting, to draw up a motion of no confidence in me as leader and to tell the press.

"I believe he acted without due regard to the interests of the Conservative Party and I will be seeking to hold him to account for his actions through internal disciplinary procedures.

"Mr Colburn does not represent the broad opinions of the Conservative Party and he is out of step with the party leadership in Wales and London on many issues."

However, Mr Colburn said he was not acting outside the rules of the party by acting alone in calling the meeting, but he was acting as a representative for Mr Hood-Williams and fellow Conservative councillor Miles Thomas.

"I issued a press release with the agreement of two of my fellow group members. I am, in fact, representing the three of us," Mr Colburn said.

"I was acting on behalf on Paxton Hood-Williams and Miles Thomas and myself.

"I will make no comment on my political views.

"My interest is to serve my constituents in their best interests and the people in general of Swansea where I have lived all my life and my family have lived for generations."

In response to Mr Kinzett's resignation, Mr Hood-Williams called on the former leader to explain why he has only attended two out of a possible 44 council meetings this municipal year.

He said: "Perhaps he would also like to explain just how he is going to work for the people of Swansea when he is rarely in Swansea and has attended just two of his scheduled 44 meetings since May this year."

Mr Kinzett, who remains a councillor and will contest his seat in the Mayals ward in the local elections next May, said: "I am on record as saying attending all the various committee meetings at Civic Centre is a waste of time.

"I attend council meetings and put the Conservative line across in meetings and in the media better than any other councillor in my group."

South Wales Police are still considering whether to pursue a criminal investigation.

helen.keates@swwmedia.co.uk