New mayor reveals his chosen charities for year
RHONDDA Cynon Taf council has welcomed its new mayor for 2016-17.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, 28, who has been a ward councillor for Abercynon since 2012, was elected into the role at the council’s AGM on Wednesday evening.
He replaces Barry Stephens, whose term as mayor came to an end.
Coun Lewis, who was originally the Cynon Valley Labour group’s candidate for the constituency’s Assembly seat at this month’s election before stepping down for personal reasons, said he is keen to meet as many people across RCT as possible.
His chosen charities for his year as mayor are MIND – Merthyr and the Valleys, Action for Children, New Horizons and ADREF.
He is vice president of Abercynon Male Voice Choir and Lower Cynon Cluster Communities First Board. He is a member of the Abercynon War Memorial Paddling Pool Committee, Abercynon Community Hall Committee and is an avid supporter of Abercynon RFC and Cardiff City FC.
Coun Lewis’ passion for the environment has led him to act as a consultant on a number of green projects in South Wales. He is also a former retail worker and trade union steward.
The governor for Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Abercynon said: “It is a huge honour to have been elected as Mayor of RCT by my fellow Councillors.
“We have a lot to be proud of in RCT from talented individuals to caring communities and I am very much looking forward to my year as mayor during which I will have the opportunity to meet lots of residents, groups and organisations who do so much for their communities and the county borough.
“I am also going to be shining a positive light on the young people of RCT and promoting their many achievements during my time as mayor.
“I have chosen four charities to support over the next year and would urge all residents to support the Mayor’s Charity Appeal wherever they can to help raise money for these important and worthwhile causes.”
Councillor Craig Middle, who represents Tonypandy on RCT council and is the Armed Forces Champion for RCT, will be supporting Coun Lewis in the role of deputy mayor.
Coun Lewis will also be supported by his consort by Jamie-Louise Howells, 23, who is also from Abercynon.
As the First Citizen of the county borough, the mayor supports a number of civic events including the council’s important support for Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Day.