Planning committee chairman makes public apology after calling retired army major ‘bloody old fool’

A planning committee chairman has issued after a public apology after being caught on the council’s webcasting system calling a retired army major a ‘bloody old fool’.

A complaint was lodged by Major Donald Moore against Holt councillor Michael Morris over comments he made in March’s planning meeting,

Committee members had just finished a debate on proposals to build 51 houses on land surrounding the Llay Royal British Legion.

Major Moore, who lives in the Holt constituency, spoke against the proposals and said the land was paid for by the ex-services community which did not want the scheme to go ahead.

As we documented, his speech at Wrexham’s Guildhall he also made reference to the Magna Carta, which was alluded to by planning officer David Williams shortly after councillors voted the plans through.

In the webcast recording Mr Williams can be heard asking Cllr Morris “did he quote the Magna Carta last time?” – to which Cllr Morris replied: “Yes he did, bloody old fool. He lives in my ward.”

Soon afterwards, he seems to realise his microphone is switched on and turns it off – with an audible comment caught at that point too.

A formal complaint was made by Major Moore, who criticised the ‘unacceptable’ behaviour of Cllr Morris and called for him to stand down from his committee role.

A spokesperson for Wrexham Council later confirmed that Cllr Morris had written and apologised to Major Moore.

The webcast archive was also pulled by the local authority last month and has since reappeared in an edited form.

Speaking yesterday afternoon, Cllr Morris said: “Before I start the meeting, I would like to make a personal announcement.

“At the March planning committee meeting, whilst waiting for the public gallery to clear following the determination of an application, I made a personal aside to the person sitting next to me that was transmitted through the microphone system.

“The remark was inappropriate, and I apologise unreservedly for any hurt I may have caused Major Moore.

“I’ve also sent a personal letter of apology.”

The element of the video that is no longer available to view is below: