South Wales Evening Post - 9 February 2008
A Swansea councillor who claims his colleagues have been misusing free tickets to the city's Liberty Stadium has refused to reveal their names - unless he meets council leader Chris Holley.
However, Councillor Holley has challenged Ray Welsby publicly to hand over the names to the Evening Post or retract the claim and apologise to the council.
Days after claims were made by the Mynyddbach councillor that Swansea councillors have been using free tickets for themselves and their families, no names have been revealed.
While more Swansea councillors have stepped forward to clear themselves, no individual member has been accused of misusing the free tickets to watch the Ospreys and Swansea City.
Councillor Welsby has said he will only reveal the names of those he believes to have used the tickets in a face-to-face meeting with Councillor Chris Holley - in the presence of an Evening Post reporter.
He said: "I have responded to councillor Holley's challenge."I am quite willing to meet Councillor Holley with the press present.
"The point is that I have got evidence of people giving tickets to contractors.
"I know councillors have used the council box."
Councillor Chris Holley has responded by repeating his challenge to Councillor Welsby publicly to name the councillors he believes have taken the tickets.
Councillor Holley said: "If he has evidence, why does he need anyone else there?
"He is quick enough to run to the Evening Post, then shout off about it.
"He is not quick enough to give the Post his names.
"He either comes forward and says who they are, or he shuts up and apologises to the 71 other councillors who he has slurred.
"Come forward with evidence, or apologise."
Meanwhile, fellow Mynyddbach councillor Ceinwen Thomas and Gower councillor Richard Lewis have contacted the Evening Post to protest their innocence.
Councillor Thomas said: "I was one of the councillors who took their allocation of tickets to give to good causes in the community of Mynyddbach.
"My tickets were given to Gwyrosydd Primary School, Daniel James Community School and Treboeth Football Association.
"None of my tickets was given to any member of my family or friends."
Councillor Lewis added: "I have served 34 years and have never had anything free from the council in my life."
