Labour councillors in Vale of Glamorgan select new leader

Ted Peskett, local democracy reporter

The leading party at Vale of Glamorgan Council has elected a new group leader and deputy leader.

Former deputy leader of the Council Lis Burnett was unanimously chosen as the new Labour group leader at the authority. Her deputy will be Bronwen Brooks – also appointed unanimously.

The group’s nominations will be put forward to the full council Annual General Meeting (AGM) next Monday May 23.

If approved at the AGM, Cllr Burnett will become the council leader at Vale of Glamorgan Council.

‘Humbling’

“It’s humbling to receive the unanimous support of your peers,” she said.

“We’ve worked closely throughout the recent election and I’ve come to know what a talented and committed bunch they are so to have their support is fantastic.

“[Bronwen and I have] had an excellent working relationship since 2008 and were Cabinet Members together in 2012-2017. We are looking forward to working closely together once again.

“If we are confirmed at the Annual Meeting on Monday we will look to start delivering our ambitious manifesto immediately. I think it goes without saying that we will also be looking to see how we can support our communities when they are under such huge financial pressure.”

Despite having no overall control of the Council after the local elections on May 5, Labour still has the most seats.

However, the party will still seek out a coalition partner. Speaking last week, Cllr Burnett said that a “stable administration” will be required in order for Labour to be able to deliver on their manifesto pledges.

When asked how progress on a potential coalition was going, Cllr Burnett said: “Discussions have moved forward successfully and we expect to confirm the agreement in the next few days.”

The newly elected group leader refused to be drawn into revealing who Labour are in discussions with at this moment in time.

If the leadership nomination is given council approval, Cllr Burnett will become Neil Moore’s successor. The former Labour councillor decided not to run for re-election in this year’s local government elections.

Cllr Burnett and Mr Moore became the deputy leader and leader of a Labour-led coalition administration at the Vale of Glamorgan Council following a Conservatives split in 2019.