IT IS just over a year since a farmer from Keyston took over the reins at Pembrokeshire County Council and it has been a case of sink or swim for the popular Independent Plus Group councillor.

Councillor Jamie Adams was voted leader of the majority group when the local authority was mired in difficulties and beginning reform following scathing reports of the county’s child safeguarding and education.

Cllr Adams spoke to Western Telegraph chief reporter Katy Woodhouse about the changes made within the authority, as well as the difficult work still yet to do, in the face of severe financial challenges.

A councillor since 2004, Cllr Adams served on the council’s cabinet and as deputy leader to predecessor Cllr John Davies, before becoming leader last May.

Reflecting on his first year, Cllr Adams, said: “I went coasteering a while back and there’s a section of the course where you jump into a whirlpool which literally throws you about like a washing machine and there are times when being leader felt a bit like that.

“But it’s surprising how resilient you become in those situations and how much I have been fortunate to receive the support of cabinet colleagues and members of the group and the wider membership of council as well.

“There’s a lot behind it, it is not just a lone position and in terms of the relationships I have started and developed with professional officers, they have been strained at times in terms of some of the difficult issues we have had to deal with, but nevertheless they’re founded on a basis of trust and respect.

“I apply the same challenge to those officers that I expect them to apply to schools and other elements of service that they provide.”

 

For more from Cllr Adams see next week's Western Telegraph