Cllr Robert Francis-Davies ‘was always full of ideas and plans and played a huge part in the development of Swansea’
Richard Youle Local Democracy Reporter
13:58, 25 May 2026
Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, pictured in 2020(Image: WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)
Politicians in Swansea have paid tribute to long-serving councillor and cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies, who died this month, describing him as an oracle, mentor and friend with a mischievous side to him.
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Cllr Francis-Davies served as a Labour councillor from 1983 onwards and held many roles, including deputy leader, and followed in his brother John’s footsteps in becoming Lord Mayor of Swansea in 2001.
Speaking at a meeting of full council, Cllr Peter Black, on behalf of the Liberal Democrat and Independent group, said Cllr Francis-Davies had taken him under his wing when the duo were on a committee which had to determine a contentious sex shop licence application many years ago.
(Image: Swansea Council )
He said Cllr Francis-Davies insisted they focused on the merits not the morals of the case.
“He was Swansea through and through,” said Cllr Black. “He was always full of ideas and plans and played a huge part in the development of Swansea. He was a creative force for good.”
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Cllr Black said Cllr Francis-Davies – a loyal Swansea City fan – once told him he’d deliberately chosen his seat behind the opposing manager at what was then the Liberty Stadium so he could give them a bit of stick. “That was also Robert through and through because he also had a mischievous side to him, didn’t he?” he said.
“I counted him as a friend, and I think all of us here counted him as a friend,” said Cllr Black. “He leaves behind him a huge gap.” Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here
Cllr Lyndon Jones, leader of Swansea Conservatives, said he’d known Cllr Francis-Davies for a long time before he was elected in 2017. “We were good friends, we had good chats,” he said. “To me he was ‘Mr Swansea’. Think of the air show and all the other big events – they were down to him, driving it forward. I was very, very sad indeed when I heard about his death.”
Uplands Party leader Cllr Peter May said the revamp of many Swansea playgrounds in recent years was one of Cllr Francis-Davies’s “finest achievements”. He said he had also been instrumental in pushing through investment in skate parks. “We will miss him dearly,” said Cllr May. “He was very jocular, as well as a sage.”
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The most personal tribute came from council leader Rob Stewart, who at one point had to pause and take a deep breath.
He said R-FD, as many knew him, was a “true one-off”. Several tributes he’d read, said Cllr Stewart, referred to Cllr Francis-Davies as “a true Swansea statesman”. He said Labour councillors called him “the oracle” because of his knowledge of Swansea and “phenomenal” powers of recall.
He said Cllr Francis-Davies liked to embellish some of his stories, including telling a group of visitors to the Mansion House when he was Lord Mayor that a particular painting had inspired singer-songwriter Chris de Burgh to pen his hit Lady in Red. Something seemed to stick and Cllr Stewart said a couple of years later another Lord Mayor of Swansea was telling the same story.
“I’m personally better for knowing Robert and a better politician for having known him,” said Cllr Stewart. “Rest in peace RF-D, you’ve done your job.”
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Cllr Francis-Davies, who had been battling cancer, was cabinet member for investment, regeneration, tourism and events although he had taken a leave of absence due to his ill health. He was also a past executive member of the Museums Association and chairman of the Council of Museums in Wales. He died aged 78 at his home in Uplands on Friday, May 8.
Councillors expressed their condolences to his wife Suzanne and family. His funeral takes place at 1pm on May 27 at Swansea Minster.
NEW YORK — Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are facing new legal and financial pressure after multiple contractors filed liens totaling more than $2.1 million against their 110-acre eco-friendly property in Lewisboro, New York, according to reports.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
The Hollywood power couple, who began acquiring land in the upscale Westchester County town in 2018, reportedly owe significant unpaid fees related to construction and development of their sprawling estate. The largest claim comes from FlowCon Inc., also known as Flower Construction, which specializes in HVAC systems, plumbing, framing and masonry. That single lien amounts to $1.35 million.
Court filings and property records indicate that continued work on the massive home has been paused amid the disputes. Additional subcontractors have also placed liens on the property, contributing to the mounting total. The situation comes just weeks after Lively and Reynolds resolved their high-profile legal battle with director and actor Justin Baldoni over the film “It Ends With Us.”
The couple has transformed the large parcel into what was intended to be a sustainable, environmentally conscious family compound. Details about the project remain largely private, but public records show extensive development activity over several years, including environmental considerations typical of high-end rural estates in the Hudson Valley region.
Lewisboro, located about 50 miles north of Manhattan, offers privacy and natural surroundings that have appealed to affluent New Yorkers seeking respite from city life. Lively and Reynolds, who maintain multiple residences, have kept a relatively low profile regarding their New York holdings compared with their properties in California and elsewhere.
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The latest financial dispute highlights the complexities and costs associated with large-scale custom home construction, even for wealthy celebrities. Contractor liens are a common legal tool used to secure payment for work performed on real estate projects. If unresolved, they can complicate property sales, refinancing or further development.
Neither Lively nor Reynolds has publicly commented on the reported liens. Representatives for the couple did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This development arrives as the actors continue navigating their high-visibility careers and family life. The couple first met on the set of the 2011 film “Green Lantern.” They began dating later that year and married in 2012 in a private ceremony. They now share four children: James, born in December 2014; Inez, born in September 2016; Betty, born in October 2019; and Olin, born in February 2023.
Lively, 38, rose to fame on “Gossip Girl” before transitioning to films such as “The Shallows,” “A Simple Favor” and “The Adam Project,” the latter alongside her husband. Reynolds, 49, achieved global stardom through the “Deadpool” franchise and maintains a strong presence in both acting and business ventures, including ownership stakes in sports teams and aviation companies.
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The pair has cultivated a public image centered on humor, family values and mutual support, frequently engaging fans through witty social media exchanges. Their relationship has often been presented as one of Hollywood’s more stable and relatable partnerships.
The Baldoni dispute, which centered on allegations of misconduct during the production of “It Ends With Us,” generated intense media attention earlier in 2026. The resolution of that case reportedly included settlements and public statements aimed at moving forward, though details remained confidential.
Property-related conflicts are not uncommon among high-profile individuals undertaking major renovations or new builds. Celebrity construction projects frequently encounter delays, budget overruns and payment disagreements due to their scale and the involvement of specialized tradespeople.
In this case, the focus on eco-friendly features may have added complexity and expense. Sustainable building practices often require premium materials, specialized labor and extended timelines to meet environmental standards. Such projects can strain relationships with contractors if costs escalate beyond initial projections.
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Lewisboro residents have occasionally noted increased activity around large estates in recent years as more affluent buyers move into the area. The town maintains strict zoning and environmental regulations, which can extend approval and construction periods for ambitious developments.
Financial experts note that liens do not necessarily indicate bad faith but often reflect cash flow timing issues or disputes over work quality and completion. Resolution typically involves negotiation, mediation or court proceedings to determine valid claims and payment schedules.
For Lively and Reynolds, managing multiple professional commitments alongside family and property projects creates a demanding schedule. Reynolds continues expanding his entertainment and business empire, while Lively has focused on selective acting roles and entrepreneurial pursuits, including her hair care line.
The couple’s real estate portfolio reflects their success. In addition to the Lewisboro property, they own homes in California and have been linked to other premium locations. Their choices often emphasize privacy for their growing family as their children reach school age.
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Public interest in celebrity finances and property dealings remains high, fueled by social media and entertainment news outlets. Reports of liens or construction disputes can quickly gain traction, though they frequently resolve without long-term damage to reputations when handled discreetly.
As details emerge about the Lewisboro situation, attention will likely focus on how the couple addresses the claims. Industry observers suggest such matters are often settled privately to avoid prolonged litigation that could affect future projects.
The timing, following the Baldoni resolution, adds another layer of scrutiny to the couple’s public narrative. Both actors have emphasized protecting their family’s privacy amid increased media focus in recent years.
Construction experts say projects of this magnitude routinely face challenges. A 110-acre estate with eco-conscious design elements likely involves numerous specialized contractors working across phases, increasing the potential for payment timing conflicts.
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Local authorities in Lewisboro have not commented on the specific property, citing privacy protections for property owners. General building records remain publicly accessible but provide limited insight into ongoing financial disagreements.
As one of Hollywood’s most bankable couples, Lively and Reynolds generate substantial income that should theoretically cover such developments. The reported liens may stem from standard business practices rather than liquidity concerns, though the scale has drawn attention.
Moving forward, the couple will likely seek efficient resolution to resume work on their dream property. Real estate professionals note that addressing contractor claims promptly helps maintain good relationships within the tight-knit community of high-end builders.
The situation serves as a reminder of the hidden complexities behind celebrity lifestyles. While glamorous on the surface, managing extensive real estate, careers and family requires significant logistical and financial coordination.
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Fans have expressed support for the couple on social media, with many viewing the reports as typical challenges in large construction projects rather than signs of deeper trouble. Others speculate on potential impacts to their carefully cultivated public image.
Regardless of the outcome, the Lewisboro estate represents a significant personal investment for Lively and Reynolds. Its completion, whenever achieved, would add another chapter to their story of building a life together away from constant Hollywood spotlight.
The coming weeks may bring more clarity as parties involved work toward settlement. Until then, the reported $2.1 million in liens stands as the latest headline in the couple’s high-profile journey through fame, family and fortune.
Emma Jones was in Newcastle to meet business founders
17:36, 25 May 2026Updated 17:42, 25 May 2026
A view of Newcastle(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
The Government’s leading official for supporting small firms has met business leaders in Newcastle and told them that “your message was well heard”.
Emma Jones, the small business commissioner, has been in the North East to meet leaders of small businesses as part of a series of “SME safaris” around the country.
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Writing on social media after the event, Ms Jones said that she had been told that business leaders want “less admin and more time to spend on growth”.
She was also told that recent Government policy changes – including a rise in the minimum wage and equalisation of pay rates for younger people – had had a significant impact on many small firms.
Emma Jones, small business commissioner(Image: Shannen Lythgoe – Photographer)
She said: “The increases to National Insurance and the minimum wage were discussed with a reflection on the minimum wage being the same across the whole UK rather than being reflective of local economies, ie the cost of living in the North East is less than, for example, in London.
“The impact of these changes on hiring practices was clearly not the intention and a repeated point made on safaris has been the impact on the recruitment of young people, including the role hospitality plays in being a ‘national service’ that trains young people in skills of communication, finance, and business.
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That first job is critical to any young person and although all the businesses we spoke to want to employ young workers, they are no longer defaulting to only recruiting the young in entry level roles.”
Ms Jones said her meeting with North East business leaders had also discussed the need to create a tax system for businesses that encourages people who take risks when starting their companies.
She said: “All the founders met are on a mission to keep building and investing and what they asked for was an environment to encourage and celebrate this. Your message was well heard.” The Office of the Small Business Commissioner was set up by the previous Conservative Government under the Enterprise Act 2016, primarily to tackle the issue of overdue payments and unfavourable payment practices in the private sector.
Ms Jones was appointed as small business commissioner last year.
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A trained accountant, she set up a technology business before founding the Enterprise Nation business support group.
Last week she welcomed new measures from the Government to crack down on late payments which include giving her office the power to investigate businesses suspected of poor payment practices, adjudicate payment disputes outside of the court process, and levy financial penalties on businesses that persistently pay their suppliers late.
Samuel Smith has a diverse background that includes being lead analyst and Vice President at several highly regarded dividend stock research firms and running his own dividend investing YouTube channel. He is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional and holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering & Mathematics from the United States Military Academy at West Point and has a Masters in Engineering with a focus on applied mathematics and machine learning. Samuel leads the High Yield Investor investing group. Samuel teams up with Jussi Askola and Paul R. Drake where they focus on finding the right balance between safety, growth, yield, and value. High Yield Investor offers real-money core, retirement, and international portfolios. The services also features regular trade alerts, educational content, and an active chat room of like minded investors. Learn more
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