Labour retakes control of council

Anthony Lewis, local democracy reporter

Labour has taken back control of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

Councillor Brent Carter was elected the new leader on Wednesday, September 18, meaning Labour takes over from the independent administration, which had been running the authority since 2017.

It comes after Councillor Geraint Thomas stepped down last week after a by-election win for Labour in Bedlinog and Trelewis and two independent group councillors leaving to form their own group.

It means Labour now has 14 councillors, the main independent group has 11, there are two Dowlais and Pant Community Independents and three independent councillors.

The new cabinet will be made up of Councillor David Jones (deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhood services), Councillor Gareth Lewis (cabinet member for education), Councillor Louise Minett-Vokes (cabinet member for social services), Councillor Anna Williams-Price (cabinet member for governance and resources) and Councillor Jamie Scriven (cabinet member for regeneration, housing and public protection).

Dynamic

At the meeting on Wednesday, Cllr Carter, councillor for the Plymouth ward, said: “Tonight we are here to witness a change of administration and introduction of a change of leadership style.

“One that will be resilient and dynamic, which will transform the authority into a fit for purpose organisation ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

“As an administration we must be realistic, honest and above all transparent.

“We will actively listen to people’s opinions while being open about the difficult choices we may face.

“We see this as key to meeting the financial challenges that we know await us going forward.

“I’m acutely aware that the organisation needs to change in terms of structure and the delivery of key services.

“This will be one of our initial priorities as this is crucial to securing the long term sustainability of the authority.

“I want to maintain co-operation within the council chamber along with community groups and our local, regional and national partners.

“This is essential to help Merthyr Tydfil’s case in providing the best start for life for our young people, for a stronger economy with better transport services, to provide homes for people, to deliver safe and cleaner communities and to provide the care that people so desperately need.

“As an administration for us to be successful in all of this we will ensure relationship building and effective communication is at the heart of everything we do.

“We will need to work together to ensure Merthyr Tydfil achieves great things and above all we as an authority delivers for the people of our much loved town.

“For me, something we need to do more is to be proud. We need to foster a spirit of pride and recognise the diversity in our communities, celebrating all our successes as an example and inspiration to others.

“I’ve lived in Merthyr Tydfil all my life and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

“I’m extremely proud of our town and I can say here tonight I will give everything I have to ensure Merthyr Tydfil has a strong voice across all platforms.”

Despair

Cllr Carter, who has been a councillor since 2008, said he has experienced many highs and lows and has come back from the depths of despair, aided by the support of his family, friends and constituents.

He said becoming leader of the council is the biggest honour and privilege he could be given.

He thanked his family, everyone who supported him on the night, council officers and the Labour group, who he said are extremely talented, dedicated and committed.

He congratulated Councillor Gill Preston on being elected in Bedlinog and Trelewis, saying it was remarkable achievement as they hadn’t had a Labour councillor elected there for 20 years and said she would be an excellent representative for both communities.

Cllr Carter was referred to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales in 2017 after being found in a brothel “covered in lipstick” during a police search of a property in Dowlais back in May 2015, but the ombudsman did not consider there was any evidence that he had brought his office or the council into disrepute.

Speaking about his reason for stepping down, outgoing leader Cllr Thomas said it was impossible to run an administration without a workable majority.

He said: “It has been one of the honours of my life to lead Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

“It has proven to be as rewarding as it has been difficult and it’s a role with more than its fair share of challenges but for me it is the best job in the world.”

He added: “I am incredibly proud of what I, cabinet and my fellow independents have achieved over the last seven or so years and offer my wholehearted gratitude to indys past and present for their passion, hard work and friendship.”

He also thanked the chief executive for his dedication and the advice and time he has given him.

He also gave his full appreciation to the corporate management team for their dedication and guidance.

He added: “To our wonderful staff as a whole, I want to put on record my absolute admiration for everything you do for this council and our residents.

“To the incoming Labour administration, I offer my best wishes. It is a privilege to lead this fine county borough and no small responsibility either.

“If I can be bold to say, you have big independent shoes to fill.”

He said as it was a Labour appointment, it’s only right the Labour group vote him in so the independent group would be abstaining.