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Councillor compared to viral sensation Jackie Weaver after ‘shouty’ online meeting  

11 Feb 2021 3 minute read
Plaid Cymru councillor Pauline Jarman. Rhondda Cynon Taf

A councillor has been compared to viral sensation Jackie Weaver after a “shouty” online council meeting.

Plaid Cymru’s Pauline Jarman was likened to the clerk of the Handforth Parish Council meeting that went viral, following the emergence of the clip of a discussion between Rhondda Cynon Taf councillors, during which she was accused by Tory Cllr Joel James of making a “disgusting remark”.

Cllr Jarman who represents Mountain Ash East told him that he should speak to “those children” in his ward “who are going hungry” after he declined to support a motion proposed at the tense meeting.

Rhondda MS Leanne Wood drew the comparison with Jackie Weaver, and told Cllr Jarman “well done on keeping your composure against this Tory ranter”. She also described Cllr James as “shouty”.

Cllr James, who objected to being referred to by his first name, defended his response at the meeting and said under the standing orders he can come in when he is “misrepresented”.

Cllr Jarman said: “I’m grateful that Cllr James. I think you’ve ultimately indicated that you would be supporting this motion.”

‘Going hungry’ 

When Cllr James indicated that he would not be supporting the motion, she added: “Oh, I was wrong in that assumption. That’s disappointing. Nonetheless, I hope you will then be able to speak to those children in your ward who are going hungry.”

Cllr James responded: “That’s an appalling statement to make. And I’ve argued correctly as to why we’re against this. As the Conservative representation on here now, for a long time, I’ve had to put up with a lot of horrible things aimed towards me, and I think that’s a downright disgusting remark.”

Cllr Joel James

Cllr Jarman said: “If I’ve misrepresented your opinion Joel, I will apologise, if I’ve misrepresented.

The Conservative councillor then objected to being referred to by his first name, and said: “Cllr James, Cllr Jarman! I’m democratically elected just like you!”

The Plaid Cymru councillor responded: “I’m never afraid to apologise, but I took the opinion from what I heard from you that you supported it. you then indicated by doing what you’re doing now that you don’t support the motion. What other conclusions could I draw?

Cllr James said: “Under the standing orders I can come in when I’m misrepresented!” and added “Cllr James, not Joel. You’re talking down to me.”

Joel James has been approached for comment.


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