The suspension of Councillor Kevin O’Neil “from acting as a member of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council for a period of seven months” by the independent Adjudication Panel for Wales reflects the serious allegations made against him in relation to the Code of Conduct.

Now more than ever, residents and businesses in Merthyr Tydfil need a council that is focused on dealing with the myriad issues facing the county borough; not least the response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the effects of last year’s flooding. As the local MS and MP, we want a functioning local authority that can respond to the needs of residents. We are urgently seeking a meeting with the Minister for Local Government, Julie James, to consider the best way forward for the authority.

There have of course been other reports and interventions in Merthyr Tydfil CBC since 2017. At all times it remains our overriding priority to see safe and sustainable services maintained for our constituents in this borough.

We remain available to work with the Council in the interests of the people of Merthyr Tydfil.

                                     Dawn Bowden MS   Gerald Jones MP