DURING a motion of no confidence in the leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor Jamie Adams, Councillor Mike Stoddart said that he believed that Councillor Jamie Adams had publicly lied to the council in the council chamber.

His exact words were “not only did Councillor Adams lie, but Councillor Pugh and Councillor Adams conspired to lie” (Council Webcast, September 12th 2014, 10.21am -10.28am).

I have not seen any formal public denial from Councillor Jamie Adams of the accusation made by Councillor Stoddart.

I do not believe that such a public accusation which calls into question the integrity of Councillor Jamie Adams personally and therefore the integrity of the administration that he leads, can be ignored.

Councillor Jamie Adams is aware that public trust in the honesty of the administration that he leads is important.

He said in a previous response relating to grants in Pembroke Dock, “I give you the assurance that the cabinet member (Councillor David John Pugh) and I have been there and seen it (the disputed work on the roof)”

(Council Webcast, December 12th 2013, 11.40am -11.45am).

In order for the people of Pembrokeshire to accept such an assurance it is necessary that they have confidence in his integrity and that of Pembrokeshire County Council which he represents.

No civilised democratic institution can function unless all parties are confident that the people that they are dealing with are honest and are telling the truth.

Whilst this accusation that the leader of our council is a liar remains unchallenged it is difficult to see how anyone can have any confidence in his integrity or that of the administration that he leads.

In order to restore confidence in his integrity and that of the administration of Pembrokeshire County Council it is vital that either Councillor Jamie Adams publicly rebuts fully and in detail the accusation made by Councillor Stoddart or resigns.( Council Webcasts can be seen at http://www.pembrokeshire.public-i.tv)

JOHN RHYS DAVIES

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