A proposal that would see a presiding officer take up the helm of full council meetings hit troubled waters on Monday, July 9.

Members of the corporate governance committee narrowly voted against recommending in principle that Pembrokeshire County Council go down the route of creating such a role.

Clr. Mike Stoddart put forward a notice of motion earlier this year and was brought back to committee to make a decision on what recommendation would go to full council.

His original motion read: “That this council resolves to exercise the powers granted by S 51 Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 to appoint a presiding member and deputy presiding member and that the council’s constitution be amended accordingly.”

At Monday’s meeting, Clr. Stoddart clarified a number of points included in a the latest report on the matter, which followed research carried out by officers.

He said that he thought a term of office for a presiding officer should be two years, a councillor would be elected to the role, which would not be remunerated and the councillor would also be able to chair other committees.

Objecting to the proposal, Clr. John Davies, said: “I believe there’s no need for it. Most of our chairs have done a very decent and reputable job.”

Clr. Jamie Adams added that he felt it would add to public confusion about who was who within the council.

Cabinet member for finance, Clr. Bob Kilmister supported the proposal, as did council leader Clr. David Simpson.

Clr. Kilmister argued it would not cause confusion as it would not be a ‘public facing role’ apart from chairing five full council meetings a year and would ‘improve performance.’

Adding it was a ‘strong idea,’ Clr. Kilmister said: “Our creditability is based on how we conduct ourselves.

“The chairmen all do a fantastic job for the council but it’s a very different role to running a meeting effectively and efficiently.”

Clr. Davies proposed that the committee recommend that the motion not be pursued further in principle against Clr. Stoddart’s proposal that it is.

Six voted against taking it forward - Clrs. John Davies, Jamie Adams, Brian Hall, Kevin Doolin, Sam Kurtz and Stan Hudson.

The five in favour were Clrs. Bob Kilmister, Josh Beynon, Mike Stoddart, Jacob Williams and David Simpson. New chairman Clr. Michael Williams did not vote.