BALE OUSTED AS CITY LEADER
CARDIFF’S Labour group has axed Phil Bale as its leader and appointed Splott’s Huw Thomas in his place.
Coun Thomas, 31, ousted Llanishen Councillor Phil Bale, who had led the authority since March 2014.
Coun Thomas will now become Wales’ youngest council leader.
Labour maintained control of Cardiff council in last Thursday’s local elections with 40 seats.
Coun Thomas said that it was right there was a debate over the leadership of the group in the wake of the election result and a new group being formed.
He defended the leadership battle just days after their election successes.
Speaking after his appointment, he said: “The people of Cardiff put their faith in the Labour party on Thursday.
“It’s only right and proper, following our protocols that we put it to the people who were elected to see who they want as their leader.
“There were a few names put forward and I felt I had something to offer. I am humbled that I have been chosen.
“I want to thank Phil Bale for his hard work and for what he has achieved and hope he will make a positive contribution to the city going forward”.
His predecessor Coun Bale had a turbulent time as leader.
He faced a cross-party no-confidence vote in 2015 during the annual budget meeting, followed by two attempts to take over as leader in May 2015 and 2016.
Five of his Labour colleagues had submitted the necessary paperwork to stand against him.
Those who put their names forward were another Splott Councillor Ed Stubbs, Cathays Councillor Chris Weaver, Heath Councillor Graham Hinchey and Grangetown’s Lynda Thorne.
Some withdrew their names before voting began at Labour’s annual meeting held at County Hall. The meeting was held in private.
Coun Thomas was elected in 2012. He is originally from Aberystwyth and is a fluent Welsh speaker. In 2015, he stood as a parliamentary candidate for Ceredigion.
During that campaign, he came under fire after a blog post he wrote as a student came to light.
In it, he criticised those who displayed England flags on their cars advocating that damage should be caused to those cars.
Cathays Councillor Sarah Merry was appointed as deputy leader.
She held the education portfolio in the last administration.
She said she was delighted to take over as deputy leader.
“This is a great opportunity to serve Cardiff. We have a new group and they have voted on this leadership.
“It needs to be our chance to start afresh,” she said.
At a meeting of the full council at the end of the month, roles including cabinet and committee chairs will be formally announced.
But there will be new leaders of both the Conservative group and the Lib Dem groups. On the same night, Conservative leader David Walker announced he was standing down, and Rhiwbina Councillor Adrian Robson was appointed as the new leader.