Man found in brothel 'covered in pink lipstick' becomes council leader

A councillor once found in a brothel "covered in pink lipstick" has become the new leader of a borough council. Cllr Brent Carter was elected the new leader of Merthyr Tydfil Council in Wales on Wednesday, September 18, after Labour took back control from an independent administration, which had been running the authority since 2017.

It comes after Cllr Geraint Thomas stepped down last week after a by-election win for Labour in Bedlinog and Trelewis and two independent group councillors left to form their own group, as reported by North Wales Live. It means Labour now has 14 councillors, the main independent group has 11, there are two Dowlais and Pant Community Independents and three independent councillors.

The new leader, Cllr Carter, who has been a councillor since 2008, said he had experienced many highs and lows and had come back from the depths of despair, aided by the support of his family, friends and constituents. He was referred to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales in 2017 after being found in a brothel “covered in lipstick” during a police search of a property in Dowlais back in May 2015.

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The details emerged in a court case. At that hearing, a 36-year-old was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for one year after previously pleading guilty to one count of keeping a brothel used for prostitution.

Details of Councillor Carter’s visit to the brothel were referred to during the hearing. The court was told Cllr Carter, who serves the Plymouth ward, was inside the property at the time the police warrant was executed.

At the time, the council was responsible for shutting down the brothel where he was found. It issued a press release in May 2015, saying that “as a result of nuisance and anti-social behaviour” it had successfully applied to the courts for a closure order in regards to a “suspected brothel” at the address”. The authority’s statement said the closure was sought after residents reported the use of the premises “was causing nuisance and disorder”.

A formal complaint was made to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. But an Ombudsman spokesperson said later: “Following consideration of the complaint that Councillor Brent Carter of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council had breached his authority’s Code of Conduct, the Ombudsman does not consider that there is any evidence that Cllr Carter brought his office or authority into disrepute (as opposed to bringing himself personally into disrepute) and therefore the matter will not be investigated. This decision was taken in light of case law on the aspect of the Code.”

At the meeting on Wednesday, Cllr Carter said: “Tonight we are here to witness a change of administration and introduction of a change of leadership style. One that will be resilient and dynamic, which will transform the authority into a fit for purpose organisation ready for the challenges that lie ahead. As an administration we must be realistic, honest and above all transparent.

“We will actively listen to people’s opinions while being open about the difficult choices we may face. We see this as key to meeting the financial challenges that we know await us going forward. I’m acutely aware that the organisation needs to change in terms of structure and the delivery of key services. This will be one of our initial priorities as this is crucial to securing the long term sustainability of the authority.

“I want to maintain co-operation within the council chamber along with community groups and our local, regional and national partners. This is essential to help Merthyr Tydfil’s case in providing the best start for life for our young people, for a stronger economy with better transport services, to provide homes for people, to deliver safe and cleaner communities and to provide the care that people so desperately need.

“As an administration for us to be successful in all of this we will ensure relationship building and effective communication is at the heart of everything we do. We will need to work together to ensure Merthyr Tydfil achieves great things and above all we as an authority deliver for the people of our much loved town.

“For me, something we need to do more is to be proud. We need to foster a spirit of pride and recognise the diversity in our communities, celebrating all our successes as an example and inspiration to others. I’ve lived in Merthyr Tydfil all my life and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

“I’m extremely proud of our town and I can say here tonight I will give everything I have to ensure Merthyr Tydfil has a strong voice across all platforms.”

He said becoming leader of the council was the biggest honour and privilege he could be given. He thanked his family, everyone who supported him on the night, council officers and the Labour group, who he said were extremely talented, dedicated and committed.

He congratulated Councillor Gill Preston on being elected in Bedlinog and Trelewis, saying it was a remarkable achievement as they hadn’t had a Labour councillor elected there for 20 years, and said she would be an excellent representative for both communities.