A town and county borough councillor from Bridgend, Councillor Steven Bletsoe, has recently had his six-month suspension upheld, despite recommendations to reduce it. The suspension was initially imposed in May 2024 by the standards committee of Bridgend County Borough Council. This action followed a dispute over the accuracy of meeting minutes that recorded a disagreement involving Cllr Bletsoe’s wife, Freya Bletsoe, who is also a councillor.
The suspension stemmed from Cllr Bletsoe’s failure to declare a personal and prejudicial interest in a matter concerning his spouse during a town council meeting discussing the unveiling of blue plaques in the town. The standards committee found that Cllr Bletsoe had breached several clauses in the code of conduct, including bringing the authority into disrepute and not disclosing a personal or prejudicial interest.
Although the suspension was initially put on hold due to Cllr Bletsoe’s appeal to the Adjudication Panel for Wales, a tribunal in December ultimately upheld the suspension. The panel acknowledged a breach of the code but felt the six-month suspension was too severe. They recommended reducing the suspension to 10 weeks and referred the matter back to the standards committee of Bridgend Council.
However, at a subsequent meeting, the standards committee decided not to reduce the suspension and instead chose to uphold the original six-month sanction. The committee noted that no new significant information had emerged to warrant a reduction in the suspension period. They also mentioned that they perceived a difference in statements and expressions of remorse between the Adjudication Panel’s hearing and the initial case.
The upheld suspension came into effect on February 7, 2025, with the report stating that there is no further right of appeal except through judicial review to the High Court. The decision highlights the importance of upholding standards of conduct and accountability among public officials, ensuring transparency and integrity in governance.
Cllr Bletsoe’s case serves as a reminder of the expectations placed on elected representatives to adhere to ethical standards and operate in the best interests of their constituents. Upholding the suspension despite recommendations for a reduction underscores the council’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its decision-making processes.
As the community processes this development, it opens up conversations around transparency, accountability, and ethics in public service. Such cases prompt reflection on the responsibilities that come with holding public office and the consequences of failing to meet those expectations. Moving forward, it will be crucial for councillors and officials to uphold the highest standards of conduct to retain public trust and confidence in the local governance system.
In conclusion, the upheld suspension of Councillor Steven Bletsoe underscores the council’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and accountability among its members. The decision sends a strong message about the importance of transparency and integrity in public service, reinforcing the expectations placed on elected representatives to act in the best interests of their communities.