Anger as Reform Haverfordwest town councillor co-opted

Western Telegraph

4 hours ago

The petition targets Haverfordwest Town Council in response to the recent co-option of Reform UK councillor Scott Thorley.
Campaign group West Wales Stand Up to Racism argues that Mr Thorley's appointment undermines the council's commitment to inclusivity and anti-racism, given Reform UK's opposition to the Welsh Government's Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan.
Cllr Scott Thorley has hit back at the petition, calling the group stroppy teenagers (Image: Cllr Scott Thorley - Reform UK Pembrokeshire) The petition calls on Pembrokeshire County Council to publicly reaffirm its support for an inclusive and anti-racist future, and urges Haverfordwest Town Council to review its co-option process.
It states: "We, the undersigned, believe that our local councils must uphold the highest standards of ethical governance, transparency, and commitment to inclusivity.
"Decisions made at the council level should reflect the values of fairness, equality, and a dedication to anti-racism."
Mr Thorley said he welcomes the opportunity to contribute to anti-racist efforts but criticised the group's approach.
He said: "As I have been invited to help on the anti-racist action plan by councillor Randell Thomas-Turner, I'm really confused by their comments.
"I'm very much looking forward to helping integrate communities together in Haverfordwest using food, drink, culture, music and talking.
"In my experience from dealing with them they are far from fighting racism, just because they say they're anti-racist doesn't mean they are, just as much as Jim Jones said he was the messiah.
"They don't stand for election or try and join the town councils, they are cowards and try to bully people into changing their opinions.
"Politics is about talking and helping people, they need to grow up, take their Che Guevara posters off their walls at home and stop acting like stroppy teenagers."
Haverfordwest Town Council has responded to the petition, reaffirming its commitment to equality and transparency.
Haverfordwest Town Council say they are committed to equality and transparency (Image: Google)
A spokesman for the council said: "Haverfordwest Town Council is aware of the petition titled 'Petition for Ethical and Inclusive Governance in Haverfordwest Town Council.'
"The council remains committed to fairness, transparency, and respect for all.
"It proudly adopted the Welsh Government's Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan and continues to review its policies to ensure best practice in local governance.
"The process to co-opt a member of council follows legal procedures.
"This includes a public call for applications, consideration by elected members, and a vote at a duly convened meeting.
"The council is non-party-political, and all councillors are bound by the Code of Conduct.
"Haverfordwest Town Council remains dedicated to serving all members of the community fairly, respectfully, and without prejudice."
Pembrokeshire County Council were also contacted for comment.