Tory leader quits in 'no confidence' row
THE Conservative group leader on Swansea Council has resigned.
Rene Kinzett announced he was quitting after being approached by the Evening Post to comment on how Tory councillors had been asked to debate a motion of no confidence in him.
He said that meeting would not now take place as he was giving up his group leader role.
"I resign as of tonight and I state the reason being that 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."
He referred to the fact Liberal Democrat council leader Chris Holley and Independent John Hague had been referred to the local Government watchdog for Wales, along with Conservative councillor Paxton Hood-Williams, and that police had been called in by the ombudsman to consider whether a criminal investigation should ensue.
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.
"While this investigation continues I feel that I can not execute the duties as leader of the Conservative group," said Mr Kinzett.
Oystermouth councillor Tony Colburn had issued a press release outlining the no confidence meeting involving Mr Kinzett on, he claimed, behalf of the majority of his fellow Tory councillors.
There are currently five Conservative councillors, including Mr Kinzett, in the city and county of Swansea, which has 72 seats.
Mr Kinzett said he would be continuing as a Conservative councillor for Mayals.
richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk
11 Comments
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by tommygiff
Tuesday, November 15 2011, 12:54PM
“Always been a fantastic cllr to deal with and very supportive - shame he's had to resign.”
by KP287
Monday, November 14 2011, 9:41PM
“All we need now is for the rest of the councillors to quit... Let the professional civil servants run the City, not these amatuers in it for themselves.”
by Sandson
Monday, November 14 2011, 9:24PM
“Don't particularly like the guy or his politics but he seems to make more impact during his rare appearances than some of the time servers who simply turn up to get their mark and their allowances.”
by gorseboy
Monday, November 14 2011, 8:16PM
“Don't reckon it makes much difference,his attendence record was abysmal,only ones he represented were himself and his shadow.
As you say dogfa good news for a change.”
by odinhouse
Sunday, November 13 2011, 12:08PM
“Tory leader quits in 'no confidence' ,,,,,, Yet his ward has Re- Selected him to stand again in next years Election, if he cant stand the heat in the Kitchen well get out and find a different job in politics's, but then not PAY no Gain ,,,”
by SwanseaSam
Saturday, November 12 2011, 9:03PM
“Sounds to me like a councillor who is expecting to stand down at the next election and his settling old scores before he goes using high principle as a cloak for low motives - but this opinion may just be coloured by my natural cynicism.”
by brokenbitter
Saturday, November 12 2011, 8:31PM
“Council bosses under investigation for misconduct and the whistle-blower is punished. Something is seriously rotten in Swansea Council. It's definitely time for a change. I think a directly elected mayor would put an end to the patronage and sleaze that always prevails when coalitions are in charge.”
by hobbles
Saturday, November 12 2011, 4:51PM
“Have you seen them down the liberty ? LIke pigs at a trough!”
by CitizenSpike
Saturday, November 12 2011, 10:51AM
“I cannot believe that tories have ganged up to remove Rene Kinzett. He is the only halfway capable one among them. He also probably the only one under the age of 60. What a pathetic bunch.”
by Sandson
Saturday, November 12 2011, 10:37AM
“So the lesson here is that if you are a Conservative leader who reports misconduct within your own party you are likely to get dumped. I am sure this is not the kind of message that Central Office wants put out in Wales.”