THE leader of Caerphilly county borough council, David Poole, has stepped down after referring himself to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales over what a spokesman described as "a matter... that requires further investigation".

And his constieuncy Labour party in Islwyn is calling for him to be suspended from the Labour Party, and would like him to resign as a councillor.

Details of the matter have not been made public, but Councillor Poole will also be referred to the council's own standards committee for further investigation.

Cllr Poole, who represents the Pengam ward, has been leader since May 2017.

"A matter has been brought to our attention involving the Leader of Council that requires further investigation," said the spokesman

"The Leader has today announced he is standing down to allow appropriate enquiries to take place.

"We are unable to add anything further at this stage."

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Islwyn Constituency Labour Party (CLP) chairperson Tom Williams and secretary Sue Thorne, in a joint statement,  said:"Islwyn CLP has repeatedly raised concerns about the conduct of David Poole.

We are extremely disappointed that David Poole has brought our party into disrepute yet again.

"We call on the Labour Party to immediately suspend him.

"David Poole must now resign his seat and allow the people of Pengam to choose a new representative."

Councillor Colin Mann, leader of the Plaid Cymru group on Caerphilly council, said: “Today’s news of the council leader stepping down has come completely out of the blue. As councillors, we’ve not been aware of the reasons.

“This latest episode only serves to erode even further the confidence of the people of Caerphilly county in the Labour leadership of the authority.

“It has presided over the senior officers’ pay scandal, which still has not concluded and has cost millions of pounds of public money, along with the flawed decision making over the proposed closure of Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre and the shutting of public toilets.

“This is an authority in crisis and residents are entitled to question ‘what will happen next’? Can anyone still have confidence in this authority?”

Islwyn's Labour MP Chris Evans said: "I have made no secret of my serious concerns regarding the Leadership of CBCC.

"I am shocked however, to hear of allegations against Mr Poole.

"I hope a full and swift investigation will now take place.

"The people of Islwyn will not stand for another expensive, drawn out disciplinary process."