An independent councillor has sparked significant controversy after being captured on camera driving while attending a virtual planning committee meeting. Councillor Dean Lewis, who represents the Resolven and Tonna ward on Neath Port Talbot Council in south west Wales, was seen wearing a seat belt and changing gear during the remote session held on 20 January 2026.
Virtual Background Conceals Driving Activity
The planning committee meeting, which discussed an application to construct 120 holiday lodges within the borough, was conducted with remote participation options. Councillor Lewis joined the meeting using a virtual background displaying a scenic picture of a bandstand, greenery, and a spire, which concealed the fact he was actually behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Councillor's Explanation and Defence
Councillor Lewis later explained to The Telegraph that he was driving on private land during parts of the meeting and had his phone secured in a cup holder while using a hands-free system to follow the proceedings. He stated that for approximately 90 percent of the meeting he was stationary in a car park, only beginning to drive toward the end of his shift as he approached a clock-in station.
"I just think it's ridiculous. It's all been blown out of proportion," Councillor Lewis said. "The reason why it hasn't gone any further is because when I was driving, I was driving on private land at work."
He emphasised that he did not enter public roads until after his contribution to the meeting had concluded, describing the remainder of the session as "just basically background noise."
Council Response and Ombudsman Decision
Following the identification of the issue, Councillor Lewis voluntarily referred himself to the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales. A spokesperson for Neath Port Talbot Council confirmed that the ombudsman has completed their consideration and will not undertake any further investigation into the matter.
The council spokesperson stated: "Council meetings are conducted in accordance with the Council's Constitution and relevant procedural rules. The Council's arrangements allow for remote participation by Members, and the procedures do not include specific provisions relating to the location from which a member may join a meeting."
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
The spokesperson added that participation in meetings remains subject to compliance with applicable legal and safety requirements, though the council's remote participation policies do not explicitly address members' locations during virtual attendance.
This incident has raised questions about the boundaries of remote participation in official government proceedings and what constitutes appropriate conduct during virtual meetings that involve significant decision-making processes.
