A local Bridgend councillor has been barred from serving on the town council for almost two years following allegations of “systematic harassment” and violations of the code of conduct. The Adjudication Panel for Wales handed down the ruling against former Bridgend town councillor Freya Bletsoe after she was found to have committed multiple breaches of the code of conduct, including accusations of bullying, harassment, and filing frivolous complaints. The decision was made in response to a report from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales regarding Mrs. Bletsoe’s conduct towards Bridgend Town Council’s clerk. The investigation centred on six reported incidents, such as disagreements over the unveiling of blue plaques and leaving a meeting abruptly without explanation after being dissatisfied with the clerk’s approach.
During the tribunal process, witnesses were interviewed, and incidents dating back to 2021 were reviewed. The panel concluded that Mrs. Bletsoe’s behaviour had caused significant distress to the clerk, either intentionally or recklessly. While some witnesses claimed that Mrs. Bletsoe had been a target of bullying by other council members, particularly on social media, the panel found minimal evidence to support this assertion. Mrs. Bletsoe had already resigned from her position as a Bridgend town councillor, but the panel deemed it necessary to disqualify her from seeking office as a town or community councillor for 21 months. Despite this ruling, her role as a member of Bridgend County Borough Council representing the Oldcastle ward remains unaffected.
In a statement, the panel specified, “The case tribunal unanimously concluded that the appropriate sanction in all of the circumstances was for the respondent to be disqualified for a period of 21 months from being or becoming a member of the authority on all allegations concurrently.” They further explained that they did not find it necessary to impose additional penalties on Mrs. Bletsoe’s role within Bridgend County Borough Council due to a lack of evidence suggesting any inadequacy in her performance. The ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding standards of behaviour and conduct within local government roles to ensure a respectful and productive working environment for all involved.
The decision regarding Mrs. Bletsoe’s disqualification from the town council underscores the significance of adhering to codes of conduct and maintaining professionalism in public service positions. It highlights the responsibility that elected officials hold in setting a positive example for their constituents and colleagues. This ruling serves as a cautionary tale for those in positions of authority, emphasising the repercussions of failing to meet the expected standards of behaviour and ethics in public office. Upholding integrity and respect in governance is essential for fostering trust and confidence in local institutions and maintaining a conducive environment for effective decision-making and community representation.
While Mrs. Bletsoe’s case has led to her disqualification from serving on the town council, it also raises broader issues around accountability and transparency in local governance. The Adjudication Panel’s decision reflects the commitment to upholding ethical standards and ensuring that elected representatives uphold the values of integrity and respect in their roles. Moving forward, it is essential for all public officials to adhere to agreed-upon codes of conduct, fostering a culture of professionalism and cooperation that benefits the communities they serve. The repercussions of misconduct in public office serve as a reminder of the importance of ethical leadership in maintaining public trust and promoting good governance at all levels of local administration.