A MOVE to allow councillors to have more sway over who is leader of the council failed by just one vote.

A notice of motion calling for the election of a council leader every year at the authority’s AGM submitted by Cllr Jacob Williams, an unaffiliated member, caused much argument at Thursday’s Full Council meeting (December 11).

A last minute amendment which would see deputy leader and cabinet members also democratically elected also failed.

Cllr Williams’ motion also stated that nominations for the leader post could be made at the AGM without due notice.

He argued that at the AGM the chairmen and vice chairmen of committees such as licensing and planning were elected so he was suggesting the leader’s position be added to that.

Cllr Williams added arguments against his proposal referred to a “flexibility” that isn’t there, with a leader remaining in post until removed by a full council vote of no confidence or choosing to step down themselves.

He said his proposal was not about removing the current leader, stating a leader who had the confidence of council would most likely simply have his term renewed by election each year.

“If any incumbent was unsuccessful in seeking re-election it would only because councillors didn’t have confidence in him or her,” said Cllr Williams.

He also said that the practice was not as “obscure or uncommon” as some councillors opposing the notice believed, listing for the meeting a number of authorities in Wales which carried out leader elections.

The theme of confidence was highlighted by a number of councillors with Cllr Tessa Hodgson adding it would “demonstrate he had the confidence of councillors and is not a lame duck”.

Ruling Independent Plus Group member Cllr Reg Owens said: “It could result every year in reinstating the leader and having confidence in him.

"If the leader is against it, it shows a lack of confidence and that’s a shame. If I was leader I would welcome each year to go back to the people and get a vote of confidence. If we’re brave enough to pass this today it would be only good for Pembrokeshire.”

Pembrokeshire Alliance leader Cllr Bob Kilmister said the notice of motion would mean it was less likely that there would be votes of no confidence because dissatisfaction would not reach such extreme levels.

Current council leader Cllr Jamie Adams spoke against the matter, saying it was not a role that could be taken on with such a short time limit and it was the largest group in a council which provided the leader.

“In the spirit of Christmas, the best chance to have influence on the leader of the council is to join the Independent Plus Group,” he added.

He also said that it would be difficult to “foster positive relationships” with other authorities, council staff and the Welsh Government with a potentially short term leader.

“My group have the opportunity to remove me as leader at any point of time, that provides the democratic accountability he is seeking,” added Cllr Adams.

Cllr Mike Stoddart pointed out that this was not correct with group members able to remove him as leader of the group, not leader of the council.

Former Labour Leader and now Independent Plus Group cabinet member Cllr Sue Perkins said it was the “most ridiculous notice of motion I have ever read”, adding this doesn’t happen with MPs or AMs and citing the large amount of time it takes to learn the job.

Cllr Williams wanted it noted how few councillors spoke against the motion before the vote was taken.

The vote was narrowly lost 29 to 28, with last on the list Cllr Steve Yelland, of the ruling group, casting the deciding vote. Not all councillors were present at the meeting.