Former Milford Haven mayor Mark Woodward has claimed the stress surrounding his resignation led to a bleed behind his eye, as he vowed he "won't be silent for long" over issues he says remain unresolved at the town council.
Mr Woodward, who stepped down as both mayor and West Ward town councillor on November 5, shared the update in a Facebook post thanking supporters and explaining his recent absence from public life.
He said: "Due to the stress of it all, I suffered a bleed at the back of my eye, so following an emergency appointment at Specsavers and on the advice of a simply brilliant Opthalmologist there, I really must now lay low and take it easy and rest for a few days."
Mr Woodward said he intended to return to public life soon, promising to raise "several issues" on behalf of residents.
He said: "I won't be silent for long."
In a previous public statement, Mr Woodward said he could no longer carry out his role effectively while pursuing "greater openness" within the council.
He said: "Sorry, but no more.
"It is with genuine regret that I am now announcing my immediate resignation as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.
"I have no choice."
Mr Woodward said he would continue to campaign on issues affecting the town and hold public bodies to account, regardless of his official position.
He said: "Whether you like or dislike me, know that my heart is, and has always been, focused on helping Milford Haven regain its crown."
During his time as councillor and mayor, Mr Woodward said he worked to rebuild relationships with organisations including Milford Haven Port Authority, the Royal British Legion, and the Milford Haven Business Circle.
He identified transparency, accountability, and modernisation as key priorities but said council practices remained "old" and "out of touch."
Among his concerns were proposals he said could limit the mayor’s ability to make public statements without approval from the town clerk and reduce councillors’ ability to investigate matters requiring scrutiny.
He also raised concerns about confidential council business, claiming that proposed rule changes were due to be discussed behind closed doors.
In response to Mr Woodward’s claims, Milford Haven Town Council said it had received and accepted his resignation and that Deputy Mayor Councillor K Gray would assume mayoral duties in line with standard procedures.
The council rejected Mr Woodward’s allegations regarding governance.
A council spokesperson said: "The Town Clerk is an employee of the council whose role is governed strictly by the democratic decisions of the elected members.
"Policies and procedures are reviewed annually by the full Council to ensure efficiency and statutory compliance."
The council also addressed concerns about public communications, stating that official press statements were coordinated through the proper officer to ensure accuracy, but individual councillors remained free to express personal opinions as long as they comply with the statutory code of conduct in Wales.
The council said it remained focused on serving residents and would not comment further on personal social media statements.
As Mr Woodward's resignation was received after the agenda for Monday's Full Council meeting had been legally issued, the matter would not appear on the agenda, the council said.
The statutory process for filling the vacant West Ward seat would begin in due course, the council said.
Governance and policy documents are currently under review as part of the council’s annual process, but no further details have been released.
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