A former Welsh town councillor and mayor, Steve Davies, has been disqualified from local council roles for three years due to his inappropriate behaviour towards women. Davies, who was a member of both Ceredigion Council and Aberystwyth Town Council, represented the village of Penparcau and served as mayor of Aberystwyth from 2017 to 2018.
The tribunal found that Davies repeatedly engaged in troubling conduct, including sending unsolicited love notes and gifts to multiple women. One incident involved leaving love notes on a woman’s bike despite her clear discomfort and requests to stop. The woman reported feeling harassed and stalked by Davies, prompting police involvement.
Additionally, Davies was accused of making inappropriate comments and gestures towards female workers at the Penparcau Community Hub, where he volunteered during the pandemic. Allegations surfaced of Davies making unwanted visits, buying gifts, and making suggestive remarks to female colleagues, creating a hostile and uncomfortable environment.
Furthermore, Davies faced complaints for intruding on an elderly widow’s privacy, despite requests from her family to cease contact. The widow and her relatives expressed fear and discomfort due to Davies’ persistent behaviour, which included unwelcome visits and unwanted attention.
Moreover, Davies’ pattern of behaviour extended to other settings, such as a local sports club, where he reportedly continued to pursue a woman with gifts and romantic gestures despite her clear lack of interest. The tribunal also noted similar allegations from Aberystwyth Rugby Football Club, resulting in Davies’ expulsion from both establishments.
Despite these transgressions, Davies initially resigned from his council positions in October 2023 and considered the matter resolved. However, a subsequent meeting in August 2024 imposed a three-year disqualification on Davies from holding any authority roles, citing multiple breaches of conduct and a lack of remorse for his actions.
The tribunal’s unanimous decision reflects the severity of Davies’ behaviour and underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards in public office. Davies’ actions not only violated professional codes of conduct but also caused distress and unease among the women he targeted. The repercussions of his actions serve as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and respect in all interactions, particularly for those in positions of authority and leadership.