Caerphilly council leader steps down amid investigation

David Poole had been Labour leader of Caerphilly since May 2017

A council leader has stepped down after referring himself to the public services ombudsman for Wales.

Caerphilly council said a matter involving David Poole had been brought to its attention "that requires further investigation".

The Labour councillor for Pengam will now also be referred to the local authority's own standards committee.

A statement said Mr Poole, leader since May 2017, was standing down "to allow appropriate enquiries to take place".

"We are unable to add anything further at this stage," the statement continued.

A council spokesman confirmed that there was "no link whatsoever" with the ongoing pay dispute over pay rises for senior officers at Caerphilly council.

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The Wales Audit Office said it contacted Caerphilly council on Thursday after identifying "some issues" with the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal.

It was described as a local authority "in crisis"

The city deal is a programme agreed in 2016 between the UK and Welsh governments and the 10 local authorities in south east Wales aimed at boosting economic growth.

Caerphilly council said it could not comment on the Wales Audit Office findings.

Leader of the Plaid Cymru group on the council Colin Mann said it was an authority "in crisis".

'Out of the blue'

He added: "Today's news of the council leader stepping down has come completely out of the blue.

"As councillors, we've not been aware of the reasons.

"This latest episode only serves to erode even further the confidence of the people of Caerphilly county in the Labour leadership of the authority."

Councillor Barbara Jones, who represents the St James' ward and was deputy leader, has taken over temporarily.