Minority Labour group takes top jobs in council
LABOUR has taken the top positions on Bridgend council and formed a minority administration despite losing seats in the local election.
With 26 members it remains by far the largest party on the authority.
The Conservatives, who have 11 members, are the official opposition.
Labour group leader Huw David has been unanimously returned as leader of the authority after no other nominations were put forward.
The five cabinet positions also went to Labour members at the annual meeting of Bridgend County Borough Council last Wednesday .
But although Labour remains in power, the loss of its majority means it will have to work together with other groups in order to get its proposals passed.
At the meeting, Councillor David struck a conciliatory tone following a hard-fought battle for votes by all sides.
He said: “No matter what our political differences may be, what unites us as councillors is that we all want what we think is best for the communities and people that we represent.
“As elected members, we have a duty to come together as a single authority to find a way through these challenges, and ensure that essential services can continue to be provided.
“I want members to be fully engaged in supporting the development of visions and options for change, and to help drive improvement in our key service areas.
“Despite the difficulties that we face, we all remain ambitious for the county borough, and I want us to continue to work in partnership on the delivery of vital improvements and projects.”
Councillor Pam Davies was selected to act as Mayor of Bridgend County Borough, while Councillor John McCarthy will act as Deputy Mayor.
It had been thought that clear that our aspirations for Bridgend significantly differ from theirs in particular over the proposed changes to the bin collection and education budget.
“However, no alternative proposal for leadership was ever put to us, and frankly it is unlikely a coalition of chaos led by the Conservative Party and involving several different groups would be able to run Bridgend Council.
“As a minority administration, the Labour Party knows that it has to adopt a different attitude to all parties this time if it wishes to see budgets passed and to continue leading the council.
“Plaid Cymru will operate as a single group, and as an opposition party, and will be pushing for our priorities along with others of similar views.”