Warm words for former council leader as he jets off after vote

CARDIFF’S former Labour leader Phil Bale has jetted off on an unplanned holiday after being ousted by his party.

As the city digested the news that his Labour colleague Huw Thomas was voted as the new Labour leader, Mr Bale has flown abroad.

Coun Bale may have had a turbulent three years after being appointed leader but there were warm words for him across the city today.

He is yet to speak fully since being ousted but has left the country to go on holiday – but he’s tweeted a defiant message and updated his Twitter profile to remove his label as council leader. He remains a Llanishen councillor.

He has tweeted a picture of his getaway titled “It’s official, life’s a beach”.

During his leadership, Mr Bale was criticised about his weak leadership and even his appearance.

And his group wasted no time after the election. He lost a private vote at the Cardiff Labour group meeting and left without commenting.

But yesterday, there were warm words for the former leader.

Heath resident Steve Hill said: “Sympathies that your party backstabbed you even after you led them to a majority”.

Swn festival founder Jon Rostron said: “Phil Bale worthy of applause as he departs as leader of Cardiff Council. He had a good vision and was committed to the city.”

Producer Laura Drane added: “Hear hear, and thanks Phil for every time you listened and acted”.

Former councillor Jonathan Evans said: “Thanks to Phil Bale and Sue Lent for your leadership of the city over the past few years. You still have an important contribution to make”.

Caerau Councillor Peter Bradbury said: “Thankyou to Phil Bale for his service to both city and party”.

Former Labour candidate Paul Fisher said: “Thankyou to Phil Bale for years of service to the Welsh capital. Very best wishes to Huw Thomas for leading it into the future”.

Cardiff Central MP Jo Stevens said: “Phil Bale leaves us a great legacy for our city after his three years as leader.”

President of Cardiff Labour Students Emlyn Pratt said: “Thankyou to Phil Bale for his hard work as leader of Labour in Cardiff and for leading us into such a successful campaign this year”.

Menter Caerdydd adds: “Diolch Phil Bale for all your support and vision to promote the Welsh language in the city”.

At the same meeting the group made a number of other appointments. Sarah Merry was appointed deputy leader and chairman was Keith Jones.

Dilwar Ali was named secretary with Bernie Bowen-Thomson appointed chief whip and Iona Gordon and new Councillor Norma Mackie appointed as deputy chief whips.