Former Pembrokeshire councillor banned after racist voice note

A former councillor has been disqualified from serving on any authority for four years after sending a racist message.

Andrew Edwards sent a WhatsApp voice note saying white men should have black slaves, an ombudsman investigation previously ruled.

The case was referred to the Adjudication Panel for Wales who unanimously found the former Councillor had acted in breach of the code of conduct.

The panel also found he had shared information relating to Pembrokeshire council business alongside disrespectful comments about members of the public using the same messenger.

Edwards had previously claimed the voice recording was a “deep fake”, created with malicious intent by someone trying to make it seem authentic.

The hairdresser and businessman had admitted sharing council information and comments about the public, claiming he was “venting” to his partner.

He left the Conservatives in 2023 when allegations of the comments first emerged and sparked protests outside Pembrokeshire County Hall in Haverfordwest.

Edwards, who had also previously served as a magistrate and school governor, then resigned as council member for the Haverfordwest Prendergast ward in December last year.

He has the right to appeal the decision of the Adjudication Panel to the High Court.

Independent candidate Alun Wills won the Prendergast ward following a by-election in February.