Councillor caught on camera driving during planning meeting

"Cllr Dean Lewis was seen seemingly wearing a seat belt and changing gear as he appeared remotely at Neath Port Talbot Council's planning committee meeting on 20 January."

"The independent councillor had a scenic picture of a bandstand, greenery and a spire as his virtual background while attending the meeting."

"A council spokesperson told The Independent that Cllr Lewis referred himself to the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales once the issue was identified."

"Cllr Lewis told The Telegraph that he was driving on private land during parts of the meeting and was using a hands-free system."

Cllr Dean Lewis was caught attending a planning committee meeting via video call while driving. He appeared to be wearing a seat belt and changing gears during the meeting. The meeting discussed a proposal for 120 holiday lodges in Neath Port Talbot. After the incident was identified, Lewis referred himself to the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales. The local authority stated that the ombudsman would not conduct a further investigation into the matter. Lewis claimed he was driving on private land and used a hands-free system.

Read at www.independent.co.uk