Pembrokeshire: Councilor resigns over allegations he is secretly Banksy

A councilman has quit over allegations he is mystery graffiti artist Banksy – and said the claims are undermining his ability to get the job done.

Councilor William Gannon, who served the Bufferland Ward of Pembroke Dock in Pembrokeshire, Wales, announced in a statement published today on Facebook how he is stepping down with immediate effect.

Cllr Gannon said a number of people were convinced he was the infamous street performer whose identity has never been officially confirmed.

Who is Banksy and where can you find the best street art?

In his statement, he said: “As you may know, it has been repeatedly claimed that I am not who I say I am, but I am the artist Banksy.

“Some people believe that claim to be true.

“This allegation undermines my ability to do the Councilor and Council Representative’s work properly.

“I do not want this allegation to undermine the reputation of Pembroke Dock Town Council.”

Cllr Gannon was allegedly subjected to a campaign of harassment, intimidation and stalking after people were convinced he was Banksy.

Marcel Laval shared Cllr Gannon’s statement on the local Pembroke Dock & Pembroke Citizens Forum Facebook group, writing: “I am sick to have to once again inform the people of Pembroke Dock that due to ongoing harassment and intimidation… a Her councilors have decided to step down rather than further disrupting the work of Pembroke Dock City Council and their family life.

“Unfortunately, over the past few weeks, he has been stalked in his own home and subjected to numerous personal attacks across four social media sites.”

The Banksy ‘Seasons Greetings’ mural was removed from his home in Taibach, Port Talbot, Wales, in February this year and taken to a safe place after ‘fanatics’ tried to damage it.