Bridgend councillor’s six-month suspension remains despite a panel suggesting a reduced term due to a code breach.
Steven Bletsoe, an independent councillor, was suspended in May 2024 for six months. He didn’t declare an interest about his wife, Freya Bletsoe, who is also a councillor.
The suspension came from a council committee and related to minutes about a disagreement. Freya Bletsoe argued with the town council clerk during a meeting about blue plaques. The committee said Bletsoe violated conduct codes and brought the authority into disrepute. He also failed to declare an interest.
Bletsoe appealed, so the suspension paused. The Adjudication Panel held a tribunal in December.
The panel’s report stated Bletsoe accepted a code breach but thought the six-month penalty was too severe. The panel felt six months was too long, as it was the maximum possible punishment. They advised reducing it to ten weeks, after hearing from both Bletsoe and the Ombudsman.
Despite the recommendation, the committee upheld the original decision. They felt no significant new details emerged. The committee acknowledged the Panel’s discussions but felt the panel heard a different account and noted remorse not seen earlier.
The six-month suspension begins February 7, 2025. The only further appeal option is a High Court judicial review.