- Councillor Dean Lewis was observed driving a vehicle while remotely attending a Neath Port Talbot Council planning committee meeting on 20 January.
- During the virtual meeting, Cllr Lewis, an independent councillor for Resolven and Tonna, appeared to be wearing a seatbelt and changing gears, despite using a virtual background.
- Cllr Lewis stated he was driving on private land for part of the meeting, using a hands-free system with his phone in a cup holder, and did not enter a public road until his contribution to the meeting was complete.
- Following the incident, Cllr Lewis self-referred the matter to the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales, who subsequently decided not to pursue a further investigation.
- Neath Port Talbot Council confirmed that while remote participation is permitted, their procedures do not specify location requirements, but participation must comply with applicable legal and safety regulations.
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