Steve Hunt has stepped down as leader of Neath Port Talbot Council following an incident at a Welsh Local Government Association conference where he became heavily intoxicated, fell over, and made controversial remarks about the Welsh political party Plaid Cymru. He will remain in his role as an independent councillor representing the Crynant, Onllwyn and Seven Sisters ward.
Hunt acknowledged that he had consumed far more alcohol than advisable during the event and said he
"should have exercised better judgement"after becoming
"intoxicated"at the conference. A witness who attended told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that Hunt had been loudly boasting about his heavy drinking throughout the evening.
According to reporting on the incident, Hunt had already decided to resign for personal reasons before the conduct issue became public. A council statement indicated that his reason for stepping down was partly that he no longer possessed the time and personal capacity to give the role the commitment it required.
What did Hunt say about the Plaid Cymru comments?
Hunt admitted making a statement about wanting to
"wipe out"Plaid Cymru politically, but characterised the remark as
"banter"rather than a genuine threat. He stressed that the comment
"should be understood in the context of political banter and disagreement at the end of a long evening, rather than as a threat or anything other than a political statement".
Hunt also emphasised his support for the Welsh language and denied consuming an entire bottle of gin, despite allegations from conference attendees. The following morning, he apologised to the leader of the Plaid Cymru group.
What personal circumstances did Hunt cite?
Hunt indicated that
"personal circumstances"had contributed to his behaviour and were
"relevant"to understanding what occurred. He also noted that his position as council leader had carried a
"significant level of pressure and responsibility", and he had viewed the conference as an opportunity to
"switch off"from those demands.
However, Hunt acknowledged that these factors did not excuse his conduct.
"Regrettably, I drank far beyond what was sensible,"he stated.
What is Hunt's political background?
Hunt has led the council's Independent and Plaid Cymru coalition since the 2022 local elections, when the arrangement was first established. According to earlier reporting, Hunt was re-elected as council leader in May 2026 for the 2026-27 civic year. The 2022 election marked the first time in Neath Port Talbot's history that the Labour Party lost control of the council.
What happens next?
According to council sources, a new leader will be appointed at a full council meeting scheduled for 14 October 2026. Until that date, deputy leader Alun Llewelyn will exercise the leader's functions on an interim basis.
Hunt said his decision to resign was made in the
"best interests"of the council and the residents and communities it serves.
"I will continue to serve as an Independent councillor and will continue to work for the residents and communities I represent,"he said.
