**Expulsion of Cardiff Labour Councillor Sparks Claims of Toxicity and Divides Party**
The recent expulsion of a senior Labour councillor in Cardiff has laid bare deep rifts and simmering discontent within the city’s ruling Labour group, with allegations of a damaging ‘toxic culture’ now coming to the fore. The removal of Councillor Keith Jones after a prolonged inquiry into sexual harassment claims has also raised searching questions about party discipline, leadership, and the processes governing the political conduct in one of Wales’ most prominent local authorities.
Councillor Jones, a former teacher and long-serving public figure, was dismissed from the party in May 2025 following a protracted three-year investigation into allegations that he had behaved inappropriately towards a 17-year-old girl at a Labour party event. The investigation ultimately concluded he had seriously breached both party rules and codes governing appropriate conduct. Notably, serious concerns have been voiced over the length of time it took to reach a decision, as well as the ongoing employment of Cllr Jones by Labour Senedd member Rhianon Passmore during this period—an issue on which Ms Passmore has thus far declined to comment.
Jones’ case is not without precedent. He had previously been disbarred from teaching following a scandal in which he tampered with pupils’ coursework and was subsequently banned from the profession for a year. Further scrutiny followed after he admitted to sending inappropriate messages to women within the party, prompting further suspensions and internal investigations. Despite these controversies, Jones continued to hold key leadership posts within Cardiff’s Labour structure, including chair of the Labour group and head of the influential planning committee.
The Jones saga has exposed long-standing fractures among Labour’s Cardiff councillors. Some members have voiced their dismay that, even after serious prior infractions, Jones was repeatedly entrusted with party and council leadership roles. “Huw [Thomas, group leader] and senior figures knew about Keith’s history, but he was still given prominent positions,” said one councillor who wished to remain anonymous. Sources allege that Jones’ allies within the group, including veteran councillors Russell Goodway and Lynda Thorne, were instrumental in influencing decisions at the highest levels—including the selection of cabinet members—prompting concerns about loyalty and internal power dynamics.
Amidst the dispute, group leader Huw Thomas has himself come under fire for his leadership approach. While no evidence suggests that Thomas broke party procedures, critics accuse him of failing to properly quell factional wrangling or intervene decisively as the party’s image became tarnished by protracted internal investigations. Others counter that his attempts to appease rival factions have only undermined confidence in leadership, especially as he prepares to seek election to the Senedd in 2026.
The Labour group’s own frustrations over disciplinary processes were formally acknowledged by the party’s Welsh general secretary, Joe Lock, who conceded that the investigation’s extended duration was “grossly unfair” to both accuser and accused. Nevertheless, questions remain over why certain individuals with contentious records, such as Jones, continued to be considered for senior posts even after allegations surfaced.
This episode has also highlighted concerns over support networks that exist for individuals within local politics. In a notable incident, a so-called “morale-boosting curry” was reportedly organised for Jones by colleagues shortly after his suspension, an act some observers see as indicative of misplaced camaraderie, while others argue it eroded the credibility of the party’s attempts to deal with serious misconduct claims.
For some within Cardiff Labour, the case underscores systemic failings in how issues of misconduct and safeguarding are managed. There is now widespread anxiety that future complainants might be reluctant to come forward, fearing they will be met with internal resistance and a culture of solidarity for the accused, particularly if those accused enjoy powerful backing.
Statements from party officials stress a commitment to high standards, with a Labour spokesperson asserting, “Action will always be taken if party members or elected representatives are found to have breached the high standards the Labour Party expects of them.” However, the sustained silence from key figures, including Ms Passmore and other councillors linked to the Jones controversy, does little to allay public concerns over transparency.
As the dust settles, the episode leaves Cardiff’s Labour group facing renewed calls for reform, introspection, and the appointment of stronger leadership capable of maintaining integrity and public trust in the capital’s governance. Whether these calls will result in meaningful cultural change, or if internal divisions will persist, remains to be seen in the run-up to next year’s elections.