In a video posted to social media on Tuesday, Cllr Joe Hale announced he was becoming an independent councillor, blaming his departure on the Skyline development on Kilvey Hill and claiming “the Labour Party have left me.”
However, a statement issued by the office of Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart has revealed that Cllr Hale was suspended days before his video announcement.
A spokesperson said: “The Labour Party suspended Cllr Hale on Thursday 19th February, prior to his announcement, and following serious allegations of misconduct being received. The allegations of misconduct, specifically related to malicious communications and harassment, were also raised with the police.”
Misinformation battle
The row comes as both Swansea Council and the developers, Skyline Swansea, have been forced to publicly counter what they describe as “misinformation circulating online” about the project.
In a social media post, the council directly addressed claims that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) knew nothing about the development, stating that NRW were consulted during the planning process. The council also refuted claims that tree felling was happening without permission, confirming that planning consent was granted in July 2025.
Skyline Swansea also issued a statement to reassure the public that access to Kilvey Hill was being maintained via a re-routed path, a move they said went “beyond minimum safety standards.”
Hale’s video claims
VIDEO: Cllr Joe Hale’s announcement posted to social media on Tuesday 25 February
In his video, Cllr Hale said he could not “remain a Labour councillor when we’re spending £50 million on what, to all intents and purposes, is the gondola gamble.” He claimed the council had already invested £8 million and was proposing to increase this to £10 million.
He added that “the last three weeks” had been “a disgrace” and claimed “people are being hurt by the actions of politicians.”
Council: Scheme near his property
Responding to the video, the statement from the council leader’s office questioned Cllr Hale’s motivations, stating that he “has continued to voice his opposition to the scheme which is near to his own property.”
It continued: “The points Cllr Hale raises are ones the council has formally answered via the planning process and / or via numerous questions submitted to the council’s technical officers. Cllr Hale has not accepted the answers given to him.”
The statement also noted that “the records show Cllr Hale didn’t take the opportunity to attend cabinet meetings when these matters were discussed despite having the chance to do so.”
“Extremely concerning” posts
The statement described Cllr Hale’s recent social media activity as “extremely concerning.”
“While Cllr Hale is entitled to campaign on any matter, it was extremely concerning to see Cllr Hale recently share posts which constituted malicious communications and harassment and contained abusive language and threats directed at his former colleagues,” it said.
No response
Cllr Hale was contacted for comment on his suspension and the allegations but had not responded by the time of publication.
Thankful for councillors who care about local people and nature. Well done Joe.