**Former Pembrokeshire Councillor Banned After Sending Racist Voice Note Advocating Slavery**
A former local councillor in Pembrokeshire has been handed a four-year ban from serving on any local authority, following the outcome of a high-profile adjudication panel. The decision comes after an investigation confirmed that Andrew Edwards, once a representative for the Haverfordwest Prendergast ward, sent a racist audio message in which he suggested that white men should be entitled to black slaves. The incident, first brought to public attention in 2023, has sparked wider conversations about racism and accountability in public service.
The finding was delivered by the Adjudication Panel for Wales after an extensive review of both evidence and written representations. It centred on a voice note shared by Edwards with his then partner through the WhatsApp messaging app. The content of the recording included offensive and discriminatory remarks regarding both race and class. Edwards, in the audio clip later obtained by the media, was heard to say: “Nothing wrong with the skin colour at all. I think all white men should have a black man as a slave, or black woman as a slave, you know… they’re lower class than us white people, you know.”
Upon the allegations surfacing, the then-councillor issued a public statement acknowledging the seriousness of the incident. He stated that he had referred himself to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, maintaining that it would be inappropriate for him to comment further pending legal examination. This decision to self-report was seen by some as a measure to ensure transparency, though public outrage and calls for accountability persisted.
The tribunal decision, finalised on 18 June 2025, deemed Edwards to have crossed a significant ethical line. The panel’s report made clear that not only had he recorded and sent the offensive voice note, but he had also breached the council’s code of conduct by making disrespectful remarks about council members and sharing sensitive information relating to council business. In doing so, Edwards was found to have damaged both the reputation of his office and that of the authority he served.
According to the official notice of decision published by the Adjudication Panel, the case against Edwards was referred by the Ombudsman and considered via a remote video conference. The panel ultimately determined that Edwards’ actions demonstrated a lack of respect for others and brought local governance into disrepute.
After evaluating the facts, the tribunal reached a unanimous verdict. The punishment handed down—to disqualify Edwards from acting as a councillor in any capacity for four years—was described as proportionate in light of the gravity of his conduct. Their conclusion underscored the essential standards of respect and dignity expected from those holding public office.
Edwards’ removal from local authority duties has reignited debates about how public officials are held responsible for offensive or prejudicial conduct. Anti-racism advocates and community leaders have highlighted the importance of clear standards and effective disciplinary mechanisms, noting that the episode underscores the need for continuous vigilance and education around equality and respect.
Efforts to contact Mr Edwards for additional comment since the ruling have, at the time of writing, proven unsuccessful. Pembrokeshire County Council and other local representatives have reiterated commitments to upholding inclusive values and maintaining trust with residents.
As the ban takes full effect, the repercussions of this case extend beyond one individual councillor. For many in Pembrokeshire and beyond, it serves as a sobering reminder of the standards expected from those in positions of authority, as well as the sometimes lengthy but necessary processes required to address complaints of discrimination and misconduct within local democracy.