Pembroke Dock councillor warns over “hostility and abuse” as he prepares to step down

A County Councillor for Pembroke Dock will say a fond farewell to the Local Authority at the end of the month, but also warns that “hostility and abuse” that many representatives face at times, even from those that sit in the same council chambers as them, shouldn’t be ignored.

After almost what he calls “10 incredible years” as a Labour County Councillor for the Pembroke Dock central ward, Cllr Josh Beynon has announced that he’ll be stepping down from Pembrokeshire County Council on October 31.

“I was elected at 19, and representing the town where my family has lived for generations has been the honour of my life. I've been awarded a fantastic new opportunity that means I can't continue as a councillor, and after a very difficult year personally, this felt like the right time,” he shared.

“In my letter (of resignation) I've also spoken about the growing hostility and abuse faced by people in public life, something I don't think we can ignore if we want good people to stand for office.

“Thank you to every constituent who has trusted me, to the council's hardworking staff, and to everyone who has supported me along the way. I'll always want the best for Pembroke Dock and Pembrokeshire. It has been an honour.”

In correspondence to his constiuents, Cllr Beynon, says that since he was elected in May 2017, he has tried his very best to put into action the values that he holds dear and the things that he believes will make a ‘positive difference’ to Pembrokeshire.

“I have supported hundreds of constituents over that time with things from housing and social care to the bread and butter of local government such as roads, litter and public rights of way,” he said.

“I do not profess to have done everything right; in fact, I know that I have made mistakes, but I hope | have been honest, determined and kept my positivity despite how difficult things may have been at times.

“Across Pembrokeshire, I have been honoured to represent Pembroke Dock as Mayor, introduced Pembrokeshire's first Net Zero action plan, worked with industry to bring opportunities for young people, improved the Pembroke Dock Memorial Park, helped introduce a new recycling system, championed our local schools, worked with Sport Pembrokeshire to improve access to sports, supported Pembrokeshire's house building programme and finally, speaking up for constituents in council meetings.”

However, he admits that the past year has tested him more than any other since he was elected, especially after losing his father in November of last year, after a short battle with cancer, and in the months since, focusing on supporting his mother.

Cllr Beynon continued: “The majority of my interactions with fellow councillors and members of the public have been positive.

“While it is not the reason for my leaving, it would be remiss of me not to mention the increasing hostility of being a public figure in today's climate.

“The role comes with personal attacks, death threats, abusive behaviour and a whole host of misinformation which continues to fester on social media.

“This makes the job difficult for anyone, and if we want people who look and come from backgrounds like us to represent us, we cannot continue down this path.

“Public service should lift people up, not pit neighbour against neighbour.

“This isn't just a national issue: Pembrokeshire has seen its own stark examples of councillors' online conduct falling far below public expectations, resulting in disqualification by the Adjudication Panel for Wales.

“These cases show the system can and does sanction individuals when conduct crosses a clear line. But sanctioning bad behaviour after the fact doesn't address the structural problems that produce it in the first place.

“Free speech is a wonderful thing and should be protected, but that does not mean freedom from consequence or the absence of responsibility,” he added.