Councillors facing probe over conduct
A probe into whether two councillors have broken Powys County Council code of conduct is taking place.
The council has confirmed that it has received complaints about Conservative Councillors Mark Barnes (Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn) and Iain McIntosh (Yscir).
Councillor Mark Barnes’s Revive and Thrive company won a contract to come up with plans for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Brecon and Newtown.
The towns are two out of 10 to receive £260,000 from the Welsh Government to explore the possibility of becoming a BID.
The awarding panel included fellow councillor Iain McIntosh, representing Brecon Chamber of Trade
Powys County Council#s Labour Group Leader, Councillor Mathew Dorrance (Brecon St John) claimed that the contract award looked like “Crony-ism”.
Councillor McIntosh, who has a carpet selling and fitting business in Brecon, claimed Councillor Dorrance's statements were, “politically motivated” and he (Councillor Dorrance) didn't want to see a “BID succeed” in the town.
Independent Councillor Liam Fitzpatrick submitted the complaint to deputy chief executive, David Powell and council solicitor, Clive Pinney.
Advice
Councillor Fitzpatrick said: “There is a rule of public perception in public life.
“Its very clear to me that Councillor McIntosh should not have attended or at least should have taken legal advice before being part of the panel .
“Especially as Councillor Barnes is from the same political group and party.”
Councilor Fitzpatrick added: “I need to know that the whole process is correct and that everyone acted accordingly to their code of conduct which we all sign on attaining office and are briefed on regularly which is mandatory .
“Perception is everything these days and the matter needs to be addressed.
"Councillor Barnes has said he had removed himself from the tendering process and will resign as a councillor if any wrong doing is found."
A spokesman for PCC said: “We can confirm that we have received a complaint and are investigating.
“We will not be commenting further until that investigation is complete.”
By Elgan Hearn, local democracy reporter
