Residents of the Wroughton and Wichelstowe constituency have been voicing their concerns this past few weeks over their perceived lack of representation from their elected councillor, Adam Poole.
The Liberal Democrats member has become a focal point of discussion on local social media platforms, with residents expressing dissatisfaction at what they perceive as a lack of representation.
Adam Poole was elected in the May 2023 elections taking 874 votes to Conservatives 854, Labour 477 and Green Party 253 votes.
On the 8th May Poole announced on Facebook ‘Thank you for placing your trust in me and electing me to represent Wroughton and Wichelstowe on Swindon Council.’
A search of Swindon Borough Council’s meeting records since this post reveals that Councillor Poole attended a council meeting just once since being elected in May:
23rd November, 2023 7.00 p.m – Absent
12th October, 2023 7.30 p.m – Present
13th July, 2023 7.00 p.m – Absent
19th May, 2023 2.30 p.m – Apologised for Absence
This has sparked a debate among constituents about the commitment of elected officials to their duties.
It has also been claimed that during 2023 Councillor Poole has not attended any Wroughton Parish Council meeting nor has he raised any cases concerning local residents or the area in which he represents despite fellow councillors Brian Ford raising 130 cases and Dave Martin 40 in the same period.
It would also appear that the Councillor Adam Poole Facebook page has not been updated since 14th May 2023.
In response to the criticism, Stan Pajak, a prominent figure within the local Liberal Democrats, defended Councillor Poole, citing personal challenges such as caring for an elderly mother post-surgery and undertaking a demanding job that involves extensive travel. Pajak hopes that the upcoming year will bring relief to these pressures, allowing Poole to focus more on his responsibilities as a councillor.
A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson referred to Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, clarifying that councillors risk losing their office if they fail to attend any meeting within a six-month period. However, as Councillor Poole attended a meeting within this timeframe, he remains in compliance with the legislation and is entitled to pick up his full annual allowance.
Council Leader Jim Robbins, acknowledging the demanding nature of the role, emphasised his own commitment to attending meetings, even at the expense of personal time. Robbins expressed his belief that the people of Wroughton should decide Councillor Poole’s fate through the ballot box, taking attendance records into consideration.
Councillor Gary Sumner, Conservative Group Leader said” Cllr Adam Poole fought the election last year with a very personal campaign against the Conservatives. He cited his local credentials as a reason for voting for him and was duly elected with just 20 votes over the Conservative candidate.
“He has badly let down those Wroughton who put their trust in him and the Liberal Democrats.
“Not only has he not attended meetings but he’s also done no Ward work. Despite taking the allowance.”
“Wroughtonians know who really works hard for them!”
The Swindonian have reached out to Adam Poole for a response to the accusations made against him and will update this page with any response.
