Ombudsman assesses foul language complaint

11:30am Sunday 17th August 2008

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A complaint about a Haverfordwest town councillor’s behaviour and foul language is being assessed by the Local Government Ombudsman.

At a meeting in June councillors Peter Lewis, Barbara Shone and Barbara Morgan requested that Councillor Donald Twigg’s behaviour be discussed.

“I was told to shut my ******* mouth — that’s what we are talking about, that puts it in perspective."

Cllr James Campbell

This was following an incident in February when Cllr Twigg was alleged to have made remarks to a member of staff which upset him and other councillors.

At the meeting other incidents of Cllr Twigg’s behaviour were discussed, including inappropriate language at a management and personnel committee meeting in June and an incident at a social event in Haverfordwest’s twin town, Oberkirch.

During the incident at the committee meeting Cllr Twigg is said to have told deputy mayor, Cllr James Campbell, in no uncertain terms to be quiet.

“I was told to shut my ******* mouth — that’s what we are talking about, that puts it in perspective,” Cllr Campbell had said.

Cllr Barbara Morgan highlighted an incident said to have happened during a visit to Oberkirch, which she felt was almost enough to finish the twinning partnership.

After being asked to quieten down, Cllr Twigg allegedly made a one-finger gesture and swore at Cllr Morgan and is also said to have sworn at another councillor at the bar. Eleven councillors, including Cllr Twigg, voted in favour of a proposal put forward by Cllr Peter Lewis that Cllr Twigg’s behaviour and language fell below an acceptable standard and should be sent to the monitoring officer.

The complaint was referred to the Local Government Ombuds-man.

A spokesman said he matter is currently at the assessment stage, but is not being investigated yet.