Clash over council votes on issues it can’t control

CONCERNS over the slashing of Welsh MPs prompted a row over councillors passing resolutions on issues beyond their direct control.

A report presented to Anglesey’s full council had recommended that councillors welcome the Boundary Commission for Wales’ proposals which would see no change to the Ynys Môn Westminster seat.

The constituency was given protected status last year and will not be affected by plans to slash the overall number of Welsh MPs from 40 to 32.

But Cllr Dafydd Roberts, having raised similar concerns previously, stressed his unhappiness that Wales’ voice in London would be weakened as a result.

Attempts to pass a motion welcoming protection but condemning the overall cut failed to gain approval from council chair Glyn Haynes, however, despite appeals from members of the ruling Plaid Cymru/Independent coalition.

Monitoring officer, Lynn Ball, advised that allowing such a motion could “set a precedent” on discussions outside of the council’s usual remit, pointing to examples where other authorities had debated and passed motions relating to national or international issues.

Cllr Roberts, an independent who represents the Bro Rhosyr ward, said: “There are many issues that aren’t devolved so its important that Welsh MPs continue to wield influence.

“I’d like to amend the recommendation that we also back retaining 40 Welsh MPs.”

But Ms Ball said the issue of scope was “one of discretion for the chair,” and that any decision taken would have implications in future.

Cllr Aled Morris Jones pointed to a previous attempted motion on the plight of the Palestinian people that Ms Ball deemed to be outside the council’s parameters.

She said: “It’s always been my advice that we should keep the remit or the scope of motions with a sufficient degree of connectivity to the council, to do otherwise would change the nature of meetings in my opinion.”

But Cllr Meirion Jones believed that members should be permitted to discuss any issues directly affecting the island.

Cllr Dylan Rees added: “We hear complaints that Westminster is too London-centric and HS2 not benefiting Wales, but if you lessen our voice by reducing numbers, then Welsh MPs will have less influence which can adversely affect Ynys Môn.”

The proposal to follow the recommendation, responding favourably to the Boundary Commission’s proposals, was refused seven votes to six with 13 abstentions resulting in no official response.

Following the meeting, Cllr Aled Morris Jones said: “Due to the ruling group refusing to accept the advice of the monitoring officer and the ruling of the chairman, the authority now will not be able to submit its opinion to the commisson’s review.

“The fact that Ynys Môn is being retained is to be welcomed but shows the ruling group does not accept the rules of procedure and precedent when it does not suit, and shows a complete lack of leadership.”