Drink-drive councillor faces no action after joining Teams meeting 'while driving'

A councillor who appeared to be behind the wheel and driving while participating in a council meeting will face no further investigation.

Dean Lewis could be seen on camera wearing a seatbelt and changing gear while taking part in the planning committee via Microsoft Teams on 20 January.

The member for Resolven and Tonna on Neath Port Talbot Council seemed to be driving while called on to speak about an application to build 120 new holiday lodges on land between the two villages.

Lewis referred himself to the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales, which has now decided it will not take the matter any further, the council said.

"The council is aware of the footage from the planning committee meeting held on 20 January and the matters that have been raised," the council said.

"The Ombudsman has now completed their consideration and has notified the council that they will not be undertaking any further investigation.

"Council meetings are conducted in accordance with the council's constitution and relevant procedural rules.

"The council's arrangements allow for remote participation by members, and the procedures do not include specific provisions relating to the location from which a member may join a meeting.

"Participation in meetings remains subject to compliance with applicable legal and safety requirements."

Lewis, who has served as a council member since 2019, did not wish to comment on the incident.

It comes after the independent member was previously suspended from his council position for four months in 2024 following a drink-driving conviction.