LIB DEMS DENY POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM

30 November 2005

Three Swansea councillors who yesterday voiced concerns about proposals to close Dylan Thomas School have been accused of cashing in on the shock U-turn. Lib Dem councillors Rene Kinzett, Peter May and Keith Morgan broke ranks and called for a rethink over the plans - a day before such a move was announced.

Labour group leader David Phillips said: "These three appear to have got wind of the intended U-turn and thought they could cash in on the situation by publicly changing their tune in advance.

"All three voted in council against Labour and Plaid Cymru entreaties to halt the merger.

"For them to now claim that they were listening to staff and parents all along seems to me just plain hypocrisy."

He described the move as political opportunism of the worst kind and felt that the public would not be impressed.

But Councillor Peter May dismissed the suggestion saying he was not aware of the plans and that he had told residents weeks ago he did not approve.

He said: "I voiced my concern about this about three weeks ago. When parents asked me I told them what my stance was.

"It is not us making political gain but Labour who have been holding public meetings and leafleting.

"In the end the decision would have been made by a Labour minister in Cardiff anyway."

Councillor Kinzett also said he did not know about the U-turn plans and that his comments were timed to coincide with the decision coming before cabinet.

He said: "It is not opportunism to listen to people, my views have been shaped by the consultation process."