Pembrokeshire Council leader set to face ‘no confidence’ vote at ‘extraordinary meeting’

The meeting at Pembrokeshire Council’s Haverfordwest offices will decide the fate of Cllr Simpson who has lead the council since 2017.

The Notice of Motion was submitted by Cllr Jamie Adams on behalf of the opposition Independent Group.

Cllr Adams, who has previously led the council himself, said he won’t be standing again for the role.

Cllr Adams said: “The people of Pembrokeshire deserve a change from the downward trajectory which Cllr Simpson has overseen for many years.

“Within the last few months, there has been a spate of issues with the administration running the authorities’ finances into disarray.

“There’s been a damming Audit Office Public Interest Report; overspends into the millions on the Haverfordwest Transport Interchange, Haverfordwest Quayside Haverfordwest Castle, and Pembroke’s South Quay; and the simple, yet costly, mistake of not ensuring rent increase letters are delivered on time.”

“All of this happened while the administration hiked residents’ Council Tax higher than necessary and now threatens to close much-needed public toilets, adding a disadvantage to our most vulnerable residents and harming our vital tourism economy.

“The public voted many new councillors onto the Council in May 2022, signalling they want a change. 

“I won’t seek re-election as leader of the Council, but I feel it is only right that the people of Pembrokeshire should not be burdened financially by this current Leadership’s failures.”

Pembrokeshire Council say any nominations for election to the post of Leader must be received by Friday 5th May.

The Extraordinary Meeting will take place at County Hall, Haverfordwest at 10am on Thursday 18th May. The meeting will be webcast as usual.