Members of Pembroke Town Council have voted to remove the portrait of David Boswell and any other images of the disgraced former mayor from their council chamber.

The vote was taken at their meeting last Thursday (March 12) and means the portrait will not be going back on display.

Mr. Boswell’s portrait was still on display for more than a year after he was convicted of raping one girl and indecently assaulting another when they were both aged under 10.

He was jailed for 18 years in 2018 for historic child sex offences, which predated his time as Mayor and county councillor.

The decision came following fierce criticism of the council after they voted controversially to turn the portrait around with Mr. Boswell’s name on the back during February’s meeting.

It also prompted former Pembroke Town Councillor, Clr. Jon Harvey to resign from the council following the vote.

A few weeks later, protesters gathered outside the town hall to voice their anger at the decision.

However, at Thursday’s Town Council meeting, the Mayor Clr. Gareth Jones announced that there had been enough signatories for the decision to be called in.

Under standing orders of Pembroke Town Council, a decision can be reconsidered if five or more town councillors sign and deliver a letter to the Town Clerk indicating a review.

Clr. Gareth Jones told members: “The portrait remains down, and all copies will be destroyed.”

He then moved his motion which was seconded by Clr. Keith Nicholas.

The vote was then passed unanimously with no debate from councillors.

Later in the meeting, Clr. Rose Blackburn handed out copies of legislation including the malicious communications act 1988 and protection from harassment act 1997.

She said: “I have made a promise to end the distress caused to families and victims and I would question the motives of anyone that wants to prolong their suffering.”