One of the problems with politics is the difficulty those in power have in distinguishing between party and public interest.
While Pembrokeshire County Council is steadfastly refusing to answer the Western Telegraph’s questions about what has become known as “the pensions scandal”, it seems that a small select group of the county’s residents have privileged access to the inside track.
Below is an email sent out by Leader Cllr Jamie Adams to all members of the Independent Plus Political Group.
Dear Independent Plus Member
I write at this time of significant interest with regard to our current Senior Staff pension policy following the public interest report issued by the WAO. I have had the opportunity to speak at length with a number of you about some of the issues raised and I’m sure many of you will have had conversations with constituents who will be asking further questions. If any Group Member wishes to telephone/email/speak to me on this matter (or any other) please as ever, don’t hesitate to get in touch
I would also be interested to hear your views as to whether you wish to meet next week as a Group to discuss the matter
Best regards
JamieCouncillor Jamie Adams
LeaderPembrokeshire County Council, County Hall, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA61 1TP
Telephone: 01437 776231
Cllr Adams has a dual role as leader of the council and leader of the IPPG party.
It seems he has some difficulty telling which is which because the email, which is clearly party business, has been sent from a council computer and is signed in his capacity as Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council.
You may wonder why Cllr Adams’ invitation to discuss this matter of “significant interest” doesn’t extend to all elected members.
One reason is that this affair has rocked his party to its foundations because these “conversations with constituents” have been along the lines “what the hell is going on in county hall”.
And that’s the polite ones.
And, if as few as four of his supporters conclude that the IPPG is an electoral liability, his majority, and the almost dictatorial powers that he presently enjoys, will go up in smoke.
As Dr Johnson observed: “The sight of the gallows concentrates a man’s mind, wonderfully”.
Though, when his party members do meet in secret to discuss their difficult predicament, he may rally the troops with Benjamin Franklin’s: “If we don’t hang together, by Heavens we shall hang separately”.