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Ombudsman launches inquiry into Swansea council leaders | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Swansea's top two councillors are under investigation by the public services ombudsman, BBC Wales can reveal. | Swansea's top two councillors are under investigation by the public services ombudsman, BBC Wales can reveal. |
Liberal Democrat leader Chris Holley and his independent deputy John Hague face questions about their conduct. | |
It is understood the complaint was referred to the ombudsman by Jack Straw, chief executive of the council. | It is understood the complaint was referred to the ombudsman by Jack Straw, chief executive of the council. |
A Conservative member of the council, Paxton Hood-Williams, is also under investigation. All three councillors declined to comment. | |
The complaint is believed to refer to alleged discussions between the leader and deputy leader and some opposition Conservative councillors regarding their support for the council's ruling Lib Dem-led administration. | |
'Normal process' | 'Normal process' |
It is suggested there have been discussions on increasing spending on projects in Conservative-held wards in the run-up to next May's local elections. | It is suggested there have been discussions on increasing spending on projects in Conservative-held wards in the run-up to next May's local elections. |
A spokesperson for the public service ombudsman said: "I can confirm that we are looking into a complaint against councillor Chris Holley and councillor John Hague." | A spokesperson for the public service ombudsman said: "I can confirm that we are looking into a complaint against councillor Chris Holley and councillor John Hague." |
She declined to disclose anything about the nature of the complaint against them but said the ombudsman was going through the normal process of investigation. | She declined to disclose anything about the nature of the complaint against them but said the ombudsman was going through the normal process of investigation. |
She also confirmed the investigation into Mr Hood-Williams. He declined to discuss the matter when contacted. | She also confirmed the investigation into Mr Hood-Williams. He declined to discuss the matter when contacted. |
Mr Holley and Mr Hague declined to comment while the investigation is underway. | Mr Holley and Mr Hague declined to comment while the investigation is underway. |
A number of claims regarding the issue have been put to Swansea council by BBC Wales. It declined to respond, citing the ombudsman's inquiry. | A number of claims regarding the issue have been put to Swansea council by BBC Wales. It declined to respond, citing the ombudsman's inquiry. |
Swansea council is run by a 36-member coalition, which includes 22 Lib Dems. There are 26 Labour councillors and five Conservatives outside the ruling group. | Swansea council is run by a 36-member coalition, which includes 22 Lib Dems. There are 26 Labour councillors and five Conservatives outside the ruling group. |