Leader sorry for calling MS a ‘cow’
ACOUNCIL leader has stepped back from his role after asking to be investigated following the emergence of an audio recording of a meeting in which he can be heard calling a Senedd Member a “cow”.
Neath Port Talbot council leader Rob Jones confirmed he had given an unreserved apology to Plaid MS Bethan Sayed for the remark which was made in a private Labour meeting in 2019, which she said was “despicable”.
Mr Jones referred the matter to the chief executive of the local authority and the monitoring officer.
He also notified the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, which he has asked to carry out an investigation, after the audio was shared on social media.
In the audio Mr Jones can be heard saying: “Bethan Sayed, the cow that she is.”
Mr Jones said in a statement: “I have been made aware of a recording being circulated on social media, which was made in 2019 at a private meeting of members of the Labour Party in the Pontardawe area.
“During the two-hour meeting, without my knowledge or consent, an individual made an audio recording of discussions surrounding topics such as schools reorganisation, selection of candidates to fight elections, distribution of Labour Party literature, political tactics and opposition party individuals.
“The final recording has clearly been edited to produce a damning commentary on me.
“The contents of the recording do not reflect the values I hold as an individual or those of the Labour Party, nor do they meet the standards of accountability required of a public representative.
“During the conversation it can be heard that I made a derogatory remark about a serving MS. I have written to that individual offering an unreserved apology for the statement that I made during this private meeting.”
Ms Sayed, MS for South Wales West, said she had also called for an investigation into the recording as a matter or urgency.
She said: “I find the choice of words on the recording, and the tone used by Councillor Rob Jones in his criticism of me, other councillors and community members, to be despicable.
“Many comments made in this recording suggest worrying and deeply improper practices at the top of Neath Port Talbot Labour run council, and I call for a full investigation into this issue, as a matter of urgency.”
WALES back-rower Alisha Butchers has been left o v e r w h e l me d after thousands of pounds were raised to fund her ankle surgery in just six hours.
The 23-year-old flanker, who has represented her country 28 times in the 15-player code, as well as in Wales’ Sevens programme, took to social media on Friday to appeal for donations to pay for surgery required after picking up an injury in training.
Ahead of her operation yesterday, Swansea-born Butchers wrote: “I am a current Wales international, and Bristol Bears Rugby player, looking for support to help raise funds for an ankle operation due to an injury that I obtained during a Bristol Bears rugby training session.
“Bristol Bears are able to fund a portion of the medical expenses, therefore I am aiming to fundraise the remaining amount myself to ensure I return to full fitness as swiftly as possible.
“Due to the amount that is required I cannot fully afford the cost of the surgery and follow-up appointments that are needed. Therefore, I would like to ask for any support that you can give.
“I have many aspirations and goals in sport and would be very grateful for any donation that people are able to make.”
Had Butchers been injured while on Wales duty, Wales on Sunday understands her medical situation would have been different.
Butchers, who plays semiprofessionally in England’s top women’s league Premier 15s, posted her crowdfunding appeal just before 1pm on Friday, with a target of £4,995.
As of yesterday morning, £6,426 had been raised.
Butchers said on Friday night: “The turnaround has been incredible. Just goes to show how strong the rugby community it.”
While the spirit of the rugby community is to be applauded for its generosity, questions have been raised over why it was necessary for an international rugby player to crowdfund for her own surgery.