Councillor hits back over two-month New Zealand trip
A cabinet member on Powys County Council has been allowed to continue his role – despite spending the next two months in New Zealand.
James Evans, Conservative councillor for Gwernyfed and portfolio holder for communication, corporate governance, housing and public protection, is over 11,000 miles away and 13 hours ahead of Wales.
His trip is funded partly as he received £800 as the main winner of the National Farming Union’s Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Travel Scholarship.
He is there for a two months to study deer farming and venison production.
Some councillors believe he should have relinquished his cabinet role while in New Zealand.
Members of the cabinet receive an extra £15,700 on top of a councillors basic salary of £13,600.
Councillor Evans said: “I am responding to my emails and I had Skype meetings with officers and am talking to them on the telephone as well.
“I am keeping up to date with all of my cabinet papers and keeping abreast with what’s occurring in Powys. That’s the joy of modern technology.
Blessing
“Members and staff can work in flexible manner from any location which is encouraged throughout the council.
“I have had the blessing and support from the Leader of Powys – Councillor Rosemarie Harris – who is dealing with any urgent matters which require a hands-on approach.
Councillor Evans said his trip wasn't just for a beach holiday.
“I think it’s a real shame that some Conservative Councillors, and others, are criticising me for going to New Zealand," he said.
“Maybe some of them should focus on what they are doing, rather than using my trip as an opportunity to try and further their own political ambitions.
“Perhaps they should focus on the platform which they stood for rather than political point scoring.
“My trip to New Zealand is not a relaxing beach holiday, but I am in fact here learning about deer farming techniques, which I can relay back to the farming communities in Powys in order for them to be able to diversify and develop their businesses if they so wish.”
Councillor Evans said he had not taken any time off during the last 18 months, despite having got married last summer.
Report by Elhan Hearn, local democracy reporter
