Another councillor suspended

A local Powys county councillor who appeared before a Standards Committee for a breach of the Code of Conduct began a four-week suspension yesterday.

Councillor Gwynfor Thomas, who represents the Llansanffraid ward, was suspended from all county council business for four weeks following a hearing of the Standards Committee last month.

Councillor Thomas was given 21 days to appeal against the decision.

The hearing, which was held before five independent people and two county councillors, ruled that Councillor Thomas, had breached paragraphs 6 (1) (a) of the Code of Conduct for Members - bringing his office or the council/authority into disrepute as a result of the breach. The breach relates to the prosecution in 2015 of Councillor Thomas under the Cattle Identification Regulations.

The suspension will run until May 8, during which time Cllr Thomas will not be able to act as a councillor. The council has arranged for a neighbouring councillor to cover for him during the suspension period.

Members under suspension are not able take part in any form of business of the authority. In addition, if they have been appointed by the council to an outside body, including appointment as a local authority school governor, they cannot act on that body during their suspension. During a period of suspension neighbouring councillors will be asked to provide cover on behalf of ward residents.

Anyone from Councillor Thomas’ constituency who wants to contact the council during the suspension should contact Member Support on 01597 826430.