Gross Misconduct

The independent verdict

No one has published the unvarnished facts about a candidate standing in the local elections in Newport. He is described in election literature as an "adviser to Newport West Conservative Association on Social Services issues." A reasonable conclusion is that if the Conservatives gain control in Newport he would have a prominent role in charge of Social Services.

Labour has questioned his suitability for the job of councillor or for a position of responsibility in the department from which he was sacked. The Tories hint that the man’s dismissal was politically influenced. Totally false statements have been made verbally to me claiming that he was unfairly sacked and later compensated. The truth is simpler.

After his dismissal the man appealed to a tribunal. They heard the evidence and their fully independent conclusion could not be clearer.

“The unanimous decision of the tribunal is that the applicant was fairly dismissed and the application fails.

The reason for the dismissal was the involvement of the applicant in three incidents, two which displayed an unacceptably arrogant and rude behaviour towards the family of a relative of a morning at the old peoples’ home at which he was employed, the passing of incorrect and unauthorised information to a relative and most seriously the allegation of frightening an elderly resident.

We are satisfied that because of the nature of the applicant’s employment and the allegation involving the frightening of a resident that the conclusion that the misconduct was gross meriting instant dismissal was one which was appropriate.”

No local paper has published this crucial bit of evidence. The people of Rogerstone deserve to have the full information on the suitability or otherwise of their candidate Mr Andrew Cooksey. Up until now, this has been denied to them.

When Dafydd-El wept.

It was extraordinary night that’s imprinted forever on our memories.

The first time I have met Kirsty Williams since, as she put it, ‘we spent the night together’ was Wednesday. It was a weary six hours of slow torment that ended beautifully. She was on the Terrace of the House of the Commons and our emotions of that golden night were churned up again.

Four of us were in the BBC Wales studio to comment on the results of the referendum on Welsh Devolution. Jonathan Evans was insufferably smug, convinced that it would be a final ‘No’ vote. Dafydd Ellis Thomas, Kirsty and I suffered weary hours at what appeared to be growing certain defeat – until the glorious Carmarthen result clinched victory in the final result.

Kirsty recalls that she and I were dancing around the studio, Jonathan put his smacked-bum face on and Dafydd Ellis-Thomas wept. A marriage and three babies later, Kirsty is as splendid as ever. Surely she must become the leader of the Lib-Dems in Wales ? It will give the Assembly of bolt of much-needed colour and chutzpah. It might even resurrect the Welsh Lib-Dems from their zombie trance.

Councillor Lloyd Delahaye

A dreadful blow this morning was the news that Bettws Councillor Lloyd Delahaye had died.

He had a long illness but recently he had seemed hale and hearty. For the past few months he braved the elements to campaign for Labour Council votes throughout the city. He was the best of councillors, dedicated, intelligent, energetic, idealistic, practical and wise.

It was always pleasure to be in his company and that of his beloved wife Val. The couple have been a marvellous team, serving Bettws and the City – Lloyd as councillor and Val as the driving force in the Credit Union.

Lloyd was cabinet member for public affairs in the City of Newport. But above all his other work he was immensely proud of Bettws and the results of his work. Councillors’ work is rarely appreciated. It consists of thousands of acts of support, help and kindness.  I prized the memory of Lloyd’s faithful untiring dedication to his people.

May he rest in peace.