Brent Carter was once found in a brothel covered in pink lipstick, but has now been elected as the new leader of Merthyr Tydfil Council after Labour took back control
A councillor who was once discovered in a brothel ‘covered in pink lipstick’ has been appointed as the new Labour leader of Merthyr Tydfil Council.
The council had previously been responsible for closing down the brothel where he was found due to “as a result of nuisance and anti-social behaviour”. Councillor Brent Carter was elected as the new leader on Wednesday, September 18, after Labour regained control of the local authority from an independent administration that had been in charge since 2017.
This follows Councillor Geraint Thomas stepping down last week after a by-election victory for Labour in Bedlinog and Trelewis and two independent group councillors leaving to form their own group. Labour now has 14 councillors, the main independent group has 11, there are two Dowlais and Pant Community Independents and three independent councillors.
The new cabinet will consist of Councillor David Jones (deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhood services), Councillor Gareth Lewis (cabinet member for education), Councillor Louise Minett-Vokes (cabinet member for social services), Councillor Anna Williams-Price (cabinet member for governance and resources) and Councillor Jamie Scriven (cabinet member for regeneration, housing and public protection).
During Wednesday’s meeting, Cllr Carter, representing the Plymouth ward, declared: “Tonight we are here to witness a change of administration and introduction of a change of leadership style. One that will be resilient and dynamic, which will transform the authority into a fit for purpose organisation ready for the challenges that lie ahead. As an administration we must be realistic, honest and above all transparent.
“We will actively listen to people’s opinions while being open about the difficult choices we may face. We see this as key to meeting the financial challenges that we know await us going forward. I’m acutely aware that the organisation needs to change in terms of structure and the delivery of key services. This will be one of our initial priorities as this is crucial to securing the long term sustainability of the authority.”
“I want to maintain co-operation within the council chamber along with community groups and our local, regional and national partners. This is essential to help Merthyr Tydfil’s case in providing the best start for life for our young people, for a stronger economy with better transport services, to provide homes for people, to deliver safe and cleaner communities and to provide the care that people so desperately need.”
The new boss at the helm has promised to put effective communication and relationship-building at the core of his agenda for Merthyr Tydfil, reports Wales Online. He affirmed: “As an administration for us to be successful in all of this we will ensure relationship building and effective communication is at the heart of everything we do. We will need to work together to ensure Merthyr Tydfil achieves great things and above all we as an authority deliver for the people of our much loved town.”
He also emphasised pride in local achievements: “For me, something we need to do more is to be proud. We need to foster a spirit of pride and recognise the diversity in our communities, celebrating all our successes as an example and inspiration to others. I’ve lived in Merthyr Tydfil all my life and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
“I’m extremely proud of our town and I can say here tonight I will give everything I have to ensure Merthyr Tydfil has a strong voice across all platforms.” In a heartfelt address, after being elected leader, he labelled the role as the highest honour, acknowledging his supportive family, backers, council officials, and the talent within his Labour group.
He congratulated Councillor Gill Preston on being elected in Bedlinog and Trelewis, saying it was a remarkable achievement as they hadn’t had a Labour councillor elected there for 20 years, and said she would be an excellent representative for both communities.
Cllr Carter, who has been a councillor since 2008, said he had experienced many highs and lows and had come back from the depths of despair, aided by the support of his family, friends and constituents. He was referred to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales in 2017 after being found in a brothel “covered in lipstick” during a police search of a property in Dowlais back in May, 2015.
The details emerged in a court case. At that hearing, a 36-year-old was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for one year after previously pleading guilty to one count of keeping a brothel used for prostitution. Details of Councillor Carter’s visit to the brothel were referred to during the hearing. The court was told that Cllr Carter, who serves the Plymouth ward, was inside the property at the time the police warrant was executed.
At the time, the council was responsible for shutting down the brothel where he was found. It issued a press release in May 2015, saying that “as a result of nuisance and anti-social behaviour” it had successfully applied to the courts for a closure order in regards to a “suspected brothel” at the address”. The authority’s statement said the closure was sought after residents reported that the use of the premises “was causing nuisance and disorder”.
A formal complaint was made to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. But an Ombudsman spokesperson said later: “Following consideration of the complaint that Councillor Brent Carter of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council had breached his authority’s Code of Conduct, the Ombudsman does not consider that there is any evidence that Cllr Carter brought his office or authority into disrepute (as opposed to bringing himself personally into disrepute) and therefore the matter will not be investigated. This decision was taken in light of case law on the aspect of the Code.”
Speaking about his reason for stepping down, outgoing leader Cllr Thomas said it was impossible to run an administration without a workable majority. He said: “It has been one of the honours of my life to lead Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. It has proven to be as rewarding as it has been difficult and it’s a role with more than its fair share of challenges but for me it is the best job in the world.” He added: “I am incredibly proud of what I, cabinet and my fellow independents have achieved over the last seven or so years and offer my wholehearted gratitude to indys past and present for their passion, hard work and friendship.”
He also thanked the chief executive for his dedication and the advice and time he had given him. And he gave his full appreciation to the corporate management team for their dedication and guidance. He added: “To our wonderful staff as a whole, I want to put on record my absolute admiration for everything you do for this council and our residents.
“To the incoming Labour administration, I offer my best wishes. It is a privilege to lead this fine county borough and no small responsibility either. If I can be bold to say, you have big independent shoes to fill.”
