Plaid Cymru councillors defect to Labour “over concerns about Plaid’s handling of sexual harassment claims”
Update: The BBC LDRS have been provided with a response this evening and have updated their story to include it: Plaid Cymru ask defected councillors to hold by-election and challenge Welsh Labour to “publish defamatory allegation in full”
Original information below:
Welsh Labour have said they “welcome two defecting former Plaid Cymru councillors over concerns about Plaid’s handling of sexual harassment claims”
Gwersyllt North councillor Emma Holland and Offa councillor Kate Wilkinson both left the Plaid Cymru group on Wrexham Council this month, and moved to ‘unaligned’ status. That has now updated today to show they are formally now part of the Labour grouping.
In a statement earlier this month Cllr Holland told Wrexham.com that she had “a number of ongoing issues with Plaid Cymru” that senior group members were ‘aware’ of.
She added: “I gave notice a few weeks ago, but left it until after Becca Martin’s election campaign had ended, in order to avoid causing her any unnecessary drama.
“I wish all my colleagues in Plaid all the best for the future and hope that we can work alongside each other, if not together, for the greater good of the people of Wrexham.”
In a statement this afternoon Welsh Labour central office in Cardiff have said, “Two former Plaid Cymru councillors on Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) have today defected to Welsh Labour after concerns over Plaid Cymru’s handling of sexual harassment claims.
“Cllr Emma Holland, of Gwersyllt North, and Cllr Kate Wilkinson, of Offa, were welcomed into the Welsh Labour WCBC group by Labour Group Leader, Cllr Dana Davies”
Labour Group Leader on Wrexham Council Cllr Davies locally added, ““We are pleased to welcome Councillors Emma Holland (Gwersyllt North) and Kate Wilkinson (Offa) into the Labour Group at Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC).
“Both are dedicated public servants who are deeply committed to their residents and communities.
“With our shared values, I am confident that each will be a valuable contributor to the collective efforts of Team Labour.
“Councillors Holland and Wilkinson will be withdrawing from social media effective immediately.
“I kindly ask the residents of Gwersyllt North and Offa to show compassion during this period and to use the updated contact information available at the link here.
“A key priority for me at present is ensuring a safe environment for all elected members, particularly our female councillors.
“I am currently finalising safeguarding plans and working with Welsh Labour and leaders within the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) to implement a comprehensive awareness program on sexual harassment, bullying, and intimidation.
“This initiative is crucial for fostering the culture change that is urgently needed.
“I am committed to working collaboratively to create a safe environment for women, both locally and nationally.
“As a woman supporting women, regardless of political affiliations, we must collectively speak out against inaction regarding these harmful behaviours, which are extremely debilitating for women.”
The Wrexham Council website has also been updated to show the changes:
We have contact local Plaid Cymru for comment.
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