Neath Port Talbot council leader Steve Hunt apologised for his behaviour and said he regretted his actions
The leader of a UK council has resigned after getting boozed up at a political event at which he fell over.
Independent Neath Port Talbot Council member Steve Hunt, 69, stepped down from his role afterwards, although the politician has denied bragging about polishing off an entire bottle of gin at the event. Hunt told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he “should have exercised better judgement” and admitted he had “become intoxicated” and fallen over.
He also denied suggestions that he had made attacks on the Welsh language and public spending figures, although admitted he had ranted about wanting to “wipe out” rival party Plaid Cymru at a conference event on September 16, as per Wales Online.
He said: “I accept that, because I was heavily intoxicated, I became involved in heated political discussions with political leaders, particularly members of Plaid Cymru.
“I was talking about the political party I have registered, the Wales Communities First Independent Party, and I accept that I made a comment about wanting to “wipe out” Plaid Cymru politically.
“That was an inappropriate political comment made while I was intoxicated, and I accept responsibility for it. It should be understood in the context of political banter and disagreement at the end of a long evening, rather than as a threat or anything other than a political statement.
“There were also personal circumstances behind my behaviour which I believe are relevant context. The role of Council Leader is extremely demanding and carries a significant level of pressure and responsibility.
“Alongside the pressures of the role, I have been dealing with a number of family matters. On this particular occasion, I allowed myself to use the social event as an opportunity to switch off from those pressures and, regrettably, I drank far beyond what was sensible.
“That explains the circumstances; it does not excuse my behaviour.
“I accept that I should have exercised better judgement. The following morning, I unreservedly apologised to the Plaid Cymru Group Leader and asked that my apologies be conveyed to anyone else who I may have offended during the evening.”
Councillor Steve Hunt, who represents Crynant, Onllwyn and Seven Sisters, has led Neath Port Talbot Council’s Independent and Plaid Cymru “Rainbow Coalition” since it took control following the May 2022 local elections.