Many in Cardiff’s Labour group really feel stronger management was wanted amid the lengthy suspension and supreme expulsion of a councillor discovered to have behaved inappropriately in the direction of a 17-year-old woman
The expulsion of a senior Labour councillor after a criticism of sexually harassment in opposition to a youngster in opposition to him was upheld has uncovered claims of a “poisonous” tradition throughout the ruling group at Wales’ largest council. It has additionally raised questions in regards to the lack of motion from one of many get together’s Senedd members.
Keith Jones, an skilled councillor and senior adviser to a serving Senedd member, is a former trainer who chaired the Cardiff Labour group and was head of town’s planning committee.
In his time within the public eye, he has been disbarred as a trainer, and suspended from Labour after inappropriate messages despatched to feminine colleagues.
He was thrown out of the get together in Could 2025 on the conclusion of a three-year investigation after an allegation was product of inappropriate behaviour in the direction of a teenage woman. Whereas he was suspended for the investigation into the incident, council colleagues organised a “morale-boosting curry” for him.
It has been claimed that allies of Cllr Jones had been capable of exert their affect throughout the council – together with over chief Huw Thomas, who is taken into account a rising star amongst Labour ranks and even spoken of as a attainable future First Minister in some quarters. Questions on Cllr Thomas’ management had been raised by a number of individuals we spoke to.
On the evening his colleagues had been informed the impartial panel had discovered the sexual harassment proved senior Cardiff councillor Russell Goodway informed a gathering of their colleagues Cllr Jones had been “frolicked to dry”.
That is the story of the infighting on the prime of Wales’ largest native authority – an organisation with an annual finances of greater than £800m and duty for the nation’s capital metropolis – and the way a prolonged disciplinary course of led to severe questions for not simply people however the get together itself.
All through the saga, Cllr Jones has additionally remained employed by Labour MS Rhiannon Passmore, who represents Islwyn, and has not responded to questions over whether or not she has taken any motion and whether or not he stays in her employment.
The prolonged downfall of Keith Jones
At their month-to-month group assembly on Could 19, 2025, Cardiff’s Labour councillors had been informed by Welsh Labour basic secretary Joe Lock that Keith Jones, the councillor for Llanrumney, had been expelled from the get together after an investigation course of that had lasted three years.
Throughout that point and impartial panel had seemed on the allegations and heard from witnesses and the sufferer.
The previous trainer, who was first elected as a councillor in 2012, had been discovered to have engaged in conduct which was “grossly detrimental” and prejudicial to the get together, opposite to get together guidelines and the get together’s sexual harassment procedures after he was alleged to have behaved inappropriately to a then-17-year-old woman at a celebration occasion.
The occasions main as much as the choice to expel Cllr Jones have nevertheless brought about a divide within the 52-strong group on Cardiff council, and past. Some have expressed frustration over the dealing with of Labour’s disciplinary course of investigating the incident, primarily the way it took three years from the purpose the criticism was made for the investigation to be concluded.
A couple of individual voiced issues that regardless of two earlier severe disciplinary points, Cllr Jones held key roles within the Labour group, together with as chair, and in addition on the council itself. Between 2017 and 2022 he was head of the planning committee – seen as one of the crucial vital roles on the council. Each these roles are elected by Labour councillors after nominations are sought.
After his suspension as a trainer, and subsequently from Labour, Cllr Jones was employed by a Labour Senedd member, Rhianon Passmore, who represents Islwyn. He has continued in that position till at the very least Could 19, 2025.
Quite a few sources had been additionally raised issues over the position of the Labour group chief on Cardiff council, Huw Thomas. Sources highlighted to us what they contemplate a weak spot in Cllr Huw Thomas’ management by claiming he was beholden, politically, to senior councillors who had been allies of Cllr Jones and who had helped get him turn into chief of the council after the messy ousting of former chief Phil Bale in 2017.
A string of points
Cllr Jones has confronted complaints up to now.
It was broadly reported, together with on WalesOnline, that in 2010 Cllr Jones was discovered to have dedicated unacceptable skilled conduct when he confronted a Common Instructing Council for Wales listening to. He had been sacked as a historical past trainer by Radyr Complete Faculty for tampering with work handed in by 25 pupils in 2007 after which banned from instructing for a yr.
Three years later there have been totally different allegations, together with that he had “preferred” photos of younger ladies on Instagram.
There have been two separate investigations into these allegations, one by the Public Providers Ombudsman, and one by the Labour Get together.
The ombudsman investigation discovered there had been no breach. On the time, Elizabeth Thomas, director of investigations on the Ombudsman’s workplace, stated: “While Councillor Jones has responded to images utilizing the ‘like’ characteristic or has engaged in on-line ‘discussions’ they seem to have been ‘two manner’ conversations and I’ve seen nothing improper or indecent in any of the images or Councillor Jones’s on-line responses.”
Ms Thomas additionally stated that whereas witnesses, who weren’t ready to be recognized and subsequently couldn’t be interviewed, had offered anonymised statements which described “behaviour which can, if confirmed, have been distasteful” they don’t present proof of behaviour which may represent a breach of the code.
Nonetheless, a separate investigation into the identical allegations by the Labour get together discovered he “despatched inappropriate communications by way of social media” to ladies get together members.
The results of that was a two-year suspension from the get together. By the conclusion of the proceedings, most of that point had already been served and he was readmitted to the Labour group a couple of months later and subsequently stood for re-election.
The allegation for which he has now been expelled passed off in 2016. It was alleged that he had acted inappropriately to a 17-year-old woman. She made a proper criticism to the get together in 2022 after Cardiff council chief Huw Thomas named Cllr Jones on an inventory of provisional cupboard members. Cllr Jones was nominated as the longer term government member for transport.
After the criticism was made, Cllr Jones’ title was pulled from the proposed cupboard record and he was suspended from the Labour group pending investigation.
Cllr Jones stored his get together membership and remained a member of the Affiliation of Labour Councillors. He was required to comply with the whip in council conferences however was not permitted to attend group conferences whereas suspended. He remained a councillor, sitting as an impartial.
All through the three-year interval from the criticism to his expulsion, Cllr Jones was, and stays, employed by Labour Senedd member Rhianon Passmore. We requested her to clarify why she employed somebody with Cllr Jones’ disciplinary report, and continued to take action whereas he was beneath investigation for the latest incident.
As of Could 19, 2025, his register of pursuits to Cardiff council says he’s nonetheless employed by her. She has not replied to our request for remark.
Disquiet throughout the get together
The feminine accuser whose allegation led to Cllr Jones’ expulsion from Labour declined to talk to us formally however handed on, by way of a 3rd get together, that she needed it to be clear she was 17 years outdated on the time of the incident.
Folks in Cardiff Labour say the investigation took too lengthy and the three-year course of put untold stress on all these concerned – not least the younger accuser.
Even the final secretary of Welsh Labour informed the council group the prolonged disciplinary course of was not match for goal and had been “grossly unfair” to each accuser and accused.
Nonetheless, a few of Cllr Jones’ colleagues say they’re shocked that, given two severe earlier disciplinary incidents, he was ever thought of appropriate for a cupboard position and questioned whether or not stress was placed on council chief Cllr Thomas to nominate him to that position.
There’s additionally anger that colleagues throughout the Labour group elected Cllr Jones to 2 senior roles – chair of the Labour group and head of the planning committee – after his preliminary suspension from the group for inappropriate behaviour in 2014.
Quite a few sources informed us they immediately raised issues with group and council chief Cllr Thomas about Cllr Jones.
When, in 2022, Cllr Jones was introduced by Cllr Thomas as the potential cupboard member for the transport portfolio, his critics within the group believed that was because of stress from two of Cllr Jones’ key allies – Russell Goodway and Lynda Thorne.
There’s a widespread perception within the group that Cllr Thomas felt he owed them loyalty for serving to him turn into chief in 2017.
Whereas Cllr Thomas backtracked and didn’t appoint Cllr Jones to the cupboard, there was concern he had ever been thought of acceptable for the position.
“Huw was conscious of Keith’s historical past – everybody was,” one supply informed us.
The group did at one stage agree a movement to be despatched to Labour’s ruling committee to precise their concern in regards to the size of the investigation following the 2022 allegation.
Written by his ally Cllr Thorne, it was later pulled and never pursued.
That movement learn: “Cardiff council Labour group is deeply involved in regards to the extended timescale for addressing complaints. The prolonged length is detrimental to each the complainant and accused. Certainly one of our members has been suspended pending an investigation for practically three years. Such a timescale is unacceptable for any organisation and it’s notably troubling for a celebration dedicated to social justice There seems to be inadequate consideration on the influence on each properly being and status”.
Welsh Labour’s position to ‘win elections’ reasonably than kind self-discipline
The conduct of supporters of Cllr Jones – particularly that of Cllrs Goodway and Thorne together with fellow councillor Michael Michael – has been raised as a supply of concern throughout the group. This was highlighted in a gathering of the total Labour group the place members had been informed he had been expelled from the get together when basic secretary Joe Lock introduced the expulsion, and Cllr Goodway stated his colleague had been “frolicked to dry”.
In September 2022 a “morale-boosting curry” was organised for Cllr Jones at Spice Island in Rumney by Cllr Thorne and folks had been requested to attend to supply him help. A quantity responded together with the group chief, Huw Thomas, who had initially stated would attempt to attend however ultimately didn’t, citing scheduling points.
Others have stated that regardless of a warning from Welsh Labour to not focus on the case whereas it was ongoing, it continued to be raised at group conferences.
Whereas Cllr Thomas adopted the foundations and procedures by way of escalating the priority to Welsh Labour when he was notified, some throughout the group say he was not forthright sufficient to intervene to cease conversations and that it was introduced up by councillors by way of the influence on Cllr Jones alone.
One alleged it was pursued by Cllr Jones’ supporters in an “aggressive” manner whereas one other stated it was “disagreeable” at any time when the subject was raised.
A number of individuals informed us they immediately requested Cllr Thomas why extra was not being executed to cease the investigation being mentioned within the conferences when the directive from Welsh Labour had been clear.
Within the group assembly on June 19, Welsh Labour basic secretary Joe Lock defended Welsh Labour’s dealing with of the method saying disciplinary points are handled by the UK get together on the premise they’ve in-house authorized experience to name upon. He stated the Welsh get together’s position was to “win elections”.
Questions for senior councillors
Council chief Cllr Thomas is looking for election to the Senedd within the election in Could 2026 and is somebody with rising political ambitions.
Whereas no-one disputes that he adopted get together processes as soon as a criticism was raised, his dealing with of his group’s inner disputes has raised issues from those that have witnessed it first-hand.
The Labour group on Cardiff council has long-standing historical past by way of totally different factions working beneath the umbrella of the broader get together. A kind of we spoke to summarised him as being caught between a gaggle who thought what was occurring was unacceptable and people whom he depends on politically.
As a gaggle chief, he can not take disciplinary motion until a criticism is made. He has admitted frustration at how the matter was dealt with.
Cllr Thomas informed WalesOnline that after he was made conscious of “particular allegations” in opposition to Cllr Jones he “instantly suggested that they be submitted formally to the Labour Get together, to be correctly investigated. Councillor Jones was subsequently suspended from the get together shortly afterwards and was not appointed to the cupboard”.
Nonetheless, critics say Cllr Thomas prevented tough conversations and by attempting to maintain the totally different factions of his group collectively as his predecessor Phil Bale had didn’t do, he has didn’t serve anybody. “I believe he is aware of he shouldn’t have appointed Keith [to the prospective cabinet] – I believe he was beneath stress,” stated one.
The entire case highlighted “weak spot in his management”, one individual informed us, as a result of regardless of being politically clever “he doesn’t wish to have onerous conversations and probably undermine his place”.
The figures individuals consider are liable for which might be Cllrs Goodway and Thorne.
Cllr Goodway, who has 40 years of council expertise beneath his belt, returned to the authority’s cupboard in 2017 when Cllr Thomas turned chief.
“There’s all the time been this view that he runs the present,” one stated. On one aspect of the argument that makes him an excellent operator, it was stated, whereas on the opposite it leaves colleagues feeling uncomfortable.
““He creates a foul tradition and Huw lets that occur,” in accordance with one get together supply. “Huw has didn’t act and he’s misplaced the religion of many colleagues.”
A few of these we spoke to expressed worries about what the dealing with of the criticism in opposition to Cllr Jones – each domestically and nationally – reveals to others who might want to come ahead now or in future.
“It sends a message that when you go after a strong man with highly effective pals they are going to be rallied round and that would postpone future victims,” one individual informed us.
What these on the coronary heart of the claims informed us
We approached Keith Jones, Huw Thomas, Russell Goodway, Lynda Thorne, and Welsh Labour for his or her responses to the claims made above.
Neither Cllr Goodway nor Cllr Thorne responded. We additionally requested Rhianon Passmore, the MS for Islwyn a sequence of questions. She too didn’t reply.
Cllr Jones was contacted with the claims on this article, he didn’t reply to requests for remark.
In response to our questions, Cllr Thomas stated: “The latest conclusion of the Labour Get together’s investigation into Councillor Keith Jones brings to an in depth a protracted and tough chapter for all concerned.
“In Could 2022, Councillor Jones was included on a provisional cupboard record primarily based on his then-current roles, the place he had served as chair of the Labour Group and chair of the council’s planning committee for 5 years, and had lately been re-selected as aLabour Get together candidate in his ward.
“Following the publication of that record, I used to be made conscious of particular allegations in opposition to Cllr Jones. I instantly suggested that they be submitted formally to the Labour Get together, to be correctly investigated. Councillor Jones was subsequently suspended from the get together shortly afterwards and was not appointed to the cupboard.
“All through this course of, my precedence, each publicly and privately, has been to respect and shield the integrity of the investigation. Nonetheless, I share the deep frustration at how lengthy it has taken to succeed in a conclusion. Delays of this nature serve nobody – particularly the complainant on this case – and threat undermining confidence within the methods we depend on to uphold requirements.
“I recognise the misery and ache this has brought about, notably for many who raised issues, and am dedicated to making sure that classes are discovered. The Labour group strives to be a respectful and inclusive setting for everybody.
“If any member of the group has issues about conduct or tradition, they are often raised immediately with me, or a trusted member of the group government, to allow them to be addressed appropriately and constructively.”
A Labour get together spokesperson stated: “Keith Jones was expelled from the Labour Get together following the conclusion of an impartial investigation. Motion will all the time be taken if get together members or elected representatives are discovered to have breached the excessive requirements the Labour Get together expects of them. All complaints are investigated totally in step with our guidelines and procedures.”
We additionally requested Ms Passmore to clarify why she employed Cllr Jones in gentle of his earlier points with relation to instructing requirements, and his earlier suspension from Labour and whereas this newest investigation was ongoing. She didn’t reply earlier than publication.
