Councillor Forced To Resign Over Accusations He Is Banksy
William Gannon claims the accusations have made it difficult to carry out his work
A councillor has felt a need to resign from his role due to widespread allegations that he is Banksy.
For those unaware, street artist Banksy has never given away their true identity, although some reckon they could have cracked it.
William Gannon used to work as a community artist for 40 years while he used to work in similar locations to the iconic figure.
However, during the recent elections, he was chosen to serve the community of Pembroke Dock for Pembrokeshire Council.
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Unfortunately, his spell in charge was only a short one after he claims he was harassed over a rumour circulating that he was Banksy, resulting in him resigning from his post.
In his resignation letter, Gannon wrote: "As you may be aware an allegation has been repeatedly made that I am not who I say I am but that I am the artist Banksy.
“This allegation is undermining my ability to do the work of councillor and council rep properly.
"Therefore, I have decided to step down as both town councillor and council rep to the port with immediate effect."
Gannon strongly denies any involvement with the Bristol street artist and now even walks around with an 'I'm not Banksy' badge on his chest to prove his point.
Speaking after his resignation letter was published, he said: "The story was started up that I am Banksy. I am NOT Banksy and I have got a badge to prove it.
"I have been a community artist for over 40 years now and in the past was doing much the same as Banksy in the same areas and cities at the same time.
"That does not make me Banksy. There were thousands of us at it. If I am Banksy then everyone is Banksy.
"Anyway I was a councillor in Pembroke Dock. A lovely town full of lovely people who have had some controversial councillors over the years."
He added: "Following a number of discussions with various people it has been made clear to me that there are a growing number of people who believe the allegations made against me.
"It was felt that, to protect the reputation of the town, Pembroke Dock did not need another controversial councillor dragging the reputation of the town through the mud.
"As a result of all this, my position became untenable and after some consideration I sent my resignation notice to the town clerk."
Speaking further to The Sun, Gannon clarified: "I’m not Banksy. Let me make that absolutely clear."
He then said that just because he used to be a community street artist, "that doesn’t make me Banksy. There was thousands of us there."
Anish Vij