![](http://web.archive.org./web/20231122145421im_/https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oGlk8AkOGis/RfkfItWjDWI/AAAAAAAAAPc/Apn0ky28z70/s200/Mayor%2520chain.jpg)
I blogged previously about the ins and outs of Swansea Council- that Lib dem Rob Speht left the ruling group to be able to vote with his 'conscience'. Previous to that, in January this year, an email by Independent Councillor Ioan Richards to group members was leaked to the press, highlighting his eagerness to create 'trench warfare' during meetings in reaction to Tory members' defects from the ruling group, which led to Lib Dem and Independent allies losing key positions, and accompanying salary perks.
At the time, Ioan Richard was in line to become the next Mayor of Swansea. Nevertheless it seems that his support has faltered,( whether this has anything to do with his 'trench warfare' email, I do not know) and Lib Dem Councillor Waller was instead recently elected. Labour Leader David Phillips and Tory Rene Kinzett both blocked Richard's accession to Mayor, but the reasoning for this was merely 'a clash of personalities' according to the man himself.
From the article in the Evening Post on this issue, it seems that Mayor Chris Holley was dismayed by the vote, who interestingly, returns to this obsession with 'conscience' amongst Swansea Councillors:
'Current Lord Mayor, Councillor Holley, said that a number of councillors had given assurances to support Councillor Richard and had not followed that through.
He said: "I think they need to look at their consciences and ask themselves if they have done the right thing."
Coun Rob Speht voted with his conscience on this occasion, that is certain, but I wonder what will happen next in the world of Swansea Council politics.....
At the time, Ioan Richard was in line to become the next Mayor of Swansea. Nevertheless it seems that his support has faltered,( whether this has anything to do with his 'trench warfare' email, I do not know) and Lib Dem Councillor Waller was instead recently elected. Labour Leader David Phillips and Tory Rene Kinzett both blocked Richard's accession to Mayor, but the reasoning for this was merely 'a clash of personalities' according to the man himself.
From the article in the Evening Post on this issue, it seems that Mayor Chris Holley was dismayed by the vote, who interestingly, returns to this obsession with 'conscience' amongst Swansea Councillors:
'Current Lord Mayor, Councillor Holley, said that a number of councillors had given assurances to support Councillor Richard and had not followed that through.
He said: "I think they need to look at their consciences and ask themselves if they have done the right thing."
Coun Rob Speht voted with his conscience on this occasion, that is certain, but I wonder what will happen next in the world of Swansea Council politics.....