A COUNCILLOR who asked her authority to appoint a violence against women and girls champion will be the first to fill the role.
The suggestion Torfaen Borough Council appoint a councillor to speak up for women and girls subjected to violence as well as to hold the authority to account on what it can do to address the issue won unanimous backing at its March meeting.
Independent councillor for Blaenavon Janet Jones accepted the nomination to serve as the champion for the remainder of the municipal year, which ends in May, at the council’s April meeting.
She was nominated by the council’s Labour leader Anthony Hunt who appoints councillors to the posts intended to champion traditionally underrepresented groups, or issues which need to be kept at the forefront of council business although they may not be the responsibility of any individual or committee.
Independent councillor for Cwmbran St Dials, Elizabeth Haynes, said she couldn’t support the appointment and criticised Cllr Hunt for not seeking nominations from across the council.
She said her decision was “nothing to do” with Cllr Jones but said: “I don’t feel I know her background. She may turn out to be the best person.”
Cllr Haynes added: “The leader should consult all members to find the best person. I know of at least two people in this meeting who’d be excellent for this role.”
Cllr Hunt, who represents Panteg, replied the Labour group hadn’t sought a nomination and it had recognised Cllr Jones in bringing forward the proposal.
Cllr Jones said she would take the role until the end of the council year and said: “I’m very proud to get that nomination and I wouldn’t wish to take it from anyone else.”
When Cllr Jones proposed the role she said the UK government’s aim to halve the number of cases of violence towards women and girls was a “bold statement” that can “only be achieved with support from all local authorities”.
She said ways local councils can address the issue include ensuring victims have access to specialist support, ensure there is comprehensive education within schools and colleges on healthy relationships, regularly reviewing its actions to ensure they meet national guidelines and policy and a champion could “amplify” the voices of survivors.