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Andrew Edwards, a former councilor, has been disqualified from holding any position in authority for four years after being involved in a racist messaging incident. The incident involved Edwards sending a WhatsApp voice note suggesting that white men should have black slaves, as previously ruled by an ombudsman investigation. This led to the case being referred to the Adjudication Panel for Wales, where it was unanimously determined that Edwards had breached the code of conduct.
In addition to the racist message, the panel also found that Edwards had shared confidential information related to Pembrokeshire council business, along with disrespectful comments about members of the public. Despite initially claiming that the voice recording was a “deep fake” created with malicious intent, Edwards later admitted to sharing the information and comments, stating that he was merely “venting” to his partner.
The controversy surrounding Edwards prompted protests outside Pembrokeshire County Hall in Haverfordwest when the allegations first surfaced in 2023. Subsequently, Edwards resigned from his position as council member for the Haverfordwest Prendergast ward in December of that year. Following his resignation, Independent candidate Alun Wills won the Prendergast ward in a by-election held in February. Despite his disqualification, Edwards retains the right to appeal the decision of the Adjudication Panel to the High Court.
Overall, the incident involving Andrew Edwards serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the code of conduct and maintaining professionalism in positions of authority. The consequences of his actions have not only led to his disqualification but also have had a lasting impact on the community and the political landscape in Pembrokeshire. The process of accountability and the adherence to ethical standards are essential in ensuring the trust and integrity of those entrusted with public service roles
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