Drunk council leader accused of drinking bottle of gin and vowing to 'wipe out' Plaid Cymru quits, tell me about this news in (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwr50plm2qq7o)

The news reports that Councillor Steve Hunt, the Independent leader of Neath Port Talbot Council in south Wales, stepped down from his leadership post following an incident of public intoxication at a private, invitation-only event.

Key details of the story:

• What happened: Hunt admitted he became heavily intoxicated and fell over during the event. Reports and attendees alleged he bragged about drinking a bottle of gin, made remarks against the Welsh language, and declared he wanted to “wipe out” Plaid Cymruthe party with whom his Independent group had formed a coalition to lead the local authority since 2022.

• Hunt’s statement and admissions: In his response, Hunt acknowledged that he drank far too much alcohol and fell over, conceding that as a senior official he should have shown better judgment. He also admitted to saying he wanted to “wipe out” Plaid Cymru politically, calling it an inappropriate remark made while drunk and characterizing it as heated political banter rather than a genuine threat, for which he apologized to Plaid Cymru’s group leader.

• Denials: Hunt denied bragging about drinking an entire bottle of gin (stating he only explained he had consumed a considerable amount of gin) and strongly rejected allegations that he attacked the Welsh language or called spending on it a waste of time. He clarified that his frustration was aimed at broader Welsh Government budget decisions.

• Resignation and next steps: While coalition colleagues held discussions regarding his conduct, Hunt stated he had already decided to step down due to personal reasons, family matters, and the heavy demands of the role. He will remain an elected ward councillor, while Plaid Cymru deputy leader Alun Llewelyn assumes the leadership duties until a permanent successor is chosen.