Council leader remains in role

CLLR Huw David will return as the leader for Bridgend County Council this year, after nominations were made at the council’s annual general meeting on Wednesday.

Cllr David will return to the role after a vote from local councillors saw him edge out independent leader Cllr Ross Penhale-Thomas.

Cllr Jane Gebbie was elected as the deputy leader, while the new Mayor of Bridgend County Borough will be Cllr Martyn Jones.

Speaking on his re-election Cllr David said that he was thankful for the opportunity to lead the council once again in the coming year, in a cabinet that combined both experience and change.

He said: “I am pleased to have been able to put together a Cabinet which combines experience with change. This will enable us to hit the ground running and start to make those decisions which we will need to make very soon on behalf of the residents of the county borough of Bridgend.”

Other Cabinet portfolio positions were agreed as follows:

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services – Councillor Jane Gebbie;

Cabinet Member for Education – Councillor Jon-Paul Blundell;

Cabinet Member for Communities – Councillor John Spanswick;

Cabinet Member for Regeneration – Councillor Neelo Farr;

Cabinet Member for Future Generations – Councillor Rhys Goode;

Cabinet Member for Resources – Councillor Hywel Williams.